#BTSpeakingOut – Dear PM . . . For the sake of the animals

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by Liz Senior

Dear Prime Minister,

Good Day, I hope that you are well.

I am writing to you to express my deep concern and the concern of many others, about the increase of animal abuse in Barbados.  There have been two quite high profile cases of late, The three dogs being kept, (one permanently tied outside) and mistreated in Stepney Meadows.

Two horses suffering abuse in a St Michael community near the beach, one  tragically died of neglect  and starvation before help was received. In both instances the perpetrators are known, both cases were reported on more than one occasion to more than one “Authority”, the Inspector at the RSPCA and Animal Control.

Ultimately  the rescuers were Oceans Acres in the case of the dogs, they managed to remove two, Monique Archer, (The Horse Charity) in the case of the  abused horses, she was accompanied by both the Police and the Govt.Vet. Why was no action taken previously? Animal Control went to the dogs on more than one occasion but left them, I rang a spokesman and was informed that all was fine or words to that effect.

It also seems that if the owners are aggressive no action is taken. These are the tip of the iceberg and the Law is not being enforced. Far too much abuse goes unpunished despite information being given to the Authorities, if it wasn’t for rescue centres and kind volunteers there would be carnage plus starving, abandoned dogs roaming  about in desperate need, shameful. I myself have rescued four.

How a country treats animals is a good reflection of its civility( or otherwise) and understanding of the rights of all sentient beings.

Tourists are beginning to notice the lack of care shown to animals in Barbados. Barbados is a small Island making it far easier to monitor abuse and take the appropriate action, prosecute!  Photographs are  now being compiled plus a campaign to bring awareness of this dire, worsening situation, not only here but abroad.

May I suggest that a Government body is made responsible for this issue as there is much confusion about who has and who has not the right to remove the suffering creatures. Who has please?

Also, the money financing Animal Control would be far more effective if given to Ocean Acres who actually CARE, they could license the dogs too.

Just out of interest, approximately how many convictions of animal cruelty have there been in the last five years?