Dog attacks on the rise
Amid increased complaints of dog attacks in the community, the authorities are making a special appeal for residents to restrain their pets.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, persons have also been complaining about livestock that have been causing property damage because they are left to roam freely.
In some instances, animals have been destroying vegetation such as vegetables and ornamental plants, the ministry said.
“We are appealing to owners to ensure their animals are always secured to prevent vicious dog attacks,” said Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Theodore James.
He added: “These incidents are becoming too frequent, where persons are injured and traumatised. Vehicle collisions and damage to water pipes and gardens are the types of reports we get involving cattle, sheep and goats.”
James is reminding residents that stray animals can be impounded under the Pounds and Livestock Brands Act. James further stated that his department is working closely with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to assist in enforcing the law whenever these unfortunate incidents occur.
According to the Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001, it is illegal to have dogs on the beach outside the hours of 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm.
Dog owners must keep their pets on a leash at all times when outside of their premises. Failure to abide by this law will result in a fine not exceeding $250.
In the meantime, James is urging owners to microchip their dogs, register them with the department and attach the registration tag to their dog’s collar.
The public is also asked not to feed stray animals and report sightings of such animals to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 468-9143 or 468-6123.
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That’s the problem right there the fine for the owners in violation is only $250. Make it $2000 and if you cant pay you goin jail. I bet the dog attacks decrease.
We need to get some Dog Sandwiches from St. Kitts to tighten them up.
Some people should not be allowed to own pets and livestock cause they don’t know how to treat the animals. I am tired of seeing people tie animals up one place without food & water…and let’s not get started with the ones who allow their animals to roam freely on other people’s property SMH
Make the sandwiches then you eat them.
concerning the dog attacks in July would confirm the statements in this incredibly vague advertisement by the Dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries.
There’s always one up Havers believe is ctl house..always in the road, sorry for anyone walking.
If you walking then walk with a 5 to 6 inch blade. If a dog attacks and lock on to you stab it in the nose body or balls etc. not to brain or neck don’t want to kill instantly might lock jaw on you. Make them find there stray animals phkd up.
There is never any enforcement of the law.
No Animals should be allowed to roam freely.
on Virgin Gorda there are hundreds of Goats and some sheep destroying anything that looks nice.Residents have to spend many thousands of dollars to try to protect their gardens. much more is spent on Ugly fencing than the goat meat is worth.
Make the farmers keep their animals fenced in.
dogs should certainly not be loose as well, some breeds are known to be more viscous and unfortunately these are the dogs we see in abundance. Can blame the dogs they get angry when chained to a short leash day after day.
what about the one up long trench that have 6 dogs tied up 365 and a quarter no shade for them rain come sun hot nothing, just sitting there poor babies. some people should not be allowed to owned pets. tied your a** up outside and see how you like that s**t. big fat piece of s**t.
the animals arent the problem its the owners, no enforcement of rampant neglect and cruelty, there are several 365 tied dogs that break my heart
F**KIN POS OWNERS .. POOR DOGS
IF I WAS TIED UP OUTSIDE ALL DAY/NITE I WOULD BITE TOO
Bring a penalty plz
Poor James . That is what he can talk about . Yes i do agree owners who cannot control their animals and is a nuisance and danger to others must be made to pay a fine . So enforce it
Now what are you doing to improve the Department here are some tips:
Use some grant money and bring in seeds, live stock from Barbados, Guyana , St Kitts etc and give to the farmers to increase production
Tell Natalio and the PS to take some of the thousands they give away to fix the broken water system at Pariquita Bay
Tell your superiors to fix the abattoir at Pariquita Bay into a decent storage area with stalls and meat storage area so farmers can sell their meat and produce at least three times per week
That is progress for the farmers and for the country .
All of you are a waste of time and unless your family and friends do not benefit from certain projects ayo cant think ans see further than your big toe
Shame only in all government departments you hear they having meetings after meeting and nothing doing for the country to move forward its economy . Set a waste