Agriculture department partners with police to clamp down on wandering animals
The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries has partnered with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to form a special task force to clamp down on stray animals in the territory.
Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Theodore James indicated that this was as a result of increasing complaints by members of the public on the issue.
As such, he is urging animal owners — particularly those who own dogs — to have them leashed and kept on private properties.
“I have seen dogs attack joggers. I have seen dogs attack women and children. I have seen damage to vehicles as a result of goats climbing and jumping on the hood and roof, vehicle collision involving cattle and sheep and massive property damage to water pipes and gardens by cattle,” James said in a media release.
He continued: “We have partnered with the RVIPF to ensure the law is enforced and owners are held accountable for the actions of their animals.”
James further said the issue poses major threats to the community and has, therefore, become a major priority for his department.
“Our children walk to school and attend after-school programmes. Many persons walk to church, jog in the morning and at night. We have family activities on the beach. We should not have to fear being mauled by dogs or livestock when walking on the public road. If we love our pets and livestock, let us adhere to the law,” James argued.
Do not feed them
In the meantime, residents are being urged to report any sighting of stray animals and refrain from feeding them.
“Should damage caused by stray animals occur, please document and inform the department by telephone 284-468-6123. All unwanted pets can be surrendered to the BVI Humane Society,” the aforementioned media release further said.
Owners are also being reminded that it is illegal to have dogs on the beach outside the hours of 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 7 pm. Dog owners should keep dogs on a leash at all times when outside of their premises. According to the Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001, failure to abide by this law will result in a fine not to exceed $250.
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The police gonna arrest them, eat them or use them for target practice ???????????
would it not have been better to address individual cases of violent dogs roaming and packs rather than making it to all dogs. This is just going to encourage chaining of dogs.
I am sure the Humane Society will be really pleased of the suggestion of dropping all the animals to an already overcrowded shelter. Will the government be offering any financial assistance to the shelter for their increased costs.
What about all chickens screaming everywhere?
What?? Screaming chickens??? Lmfao!!! If you’ve heard screaming chickens, then you have witnessed quite a phenomenon and maybe we should alert the press LOL. BEST joke I got for the week
Why you want to go mess with our reserve food stock?
It seems as if all the attention is being placed on stray dogs. What about the cows, goats and sheep that are allowed to roam free causing damage to persons properties and are quite a nuisance. The owners of these animals seem to feel as if it is quite ok for their animals to be a nuisance to others and offer no sort of compensation when they are approached on the matter.
BE CAREFUL WITH THOSE ANIMALS BECAUSE “DEM BORN HERE”
Check near Dos Chicas in Sea Cow Bay. There is always one angry mutt that keeps barking and rushing real close to pedestrians, bicycles and even vehicles.
What about cow goat and sheep?