Dogs attacking, killing livestock — Agriculture Department
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has renewed its call for responsible dog ownership following continued reports of roaming dogs chasing, injuring and killing livestock across the territory.
Veterinary Officer Dr Nadya George described the attacks as a serious and recurring problem that causes farmers significant emotional and financial hardship.
“Year after year, we see sheep, goats and other livestock chased, bitten, severely injured or killed by roaming dogs,” Dr George said. “Some are owned dogs that have escaped or are allowed to roam, while in other cases, ownership is not immediately known.”
The department said affected animals may suffer bite wounds, fractures, shock and infections. Livestock can also sustain injuries while attempting to flee, become separated from their young or experience severe stress even when dogs do not bite them.
According to the department, a single attack can erase years of investment because losing a breeding animal affects a farmer’s existing herd, as well as future offspring, production, and income.
The Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001 requires owners to register their dogs and keep them under proper control.
The department urged owners to confine dogs securely on their premises, use a leash when away from home, keep registration current and attach identification tags. Owners should also regularly inspect fences, gates, kennels, collars and restraints and act immediately when a dog repeatedly escapes or roams.
“A dog that keeps escaping or roams through a community should not be dismissed as harmless,” Dr George cautioned. “An uncontrolled dog can cause extensive injury and loss within a very short period.”
The department said registration helps officials identify roaming dogs and their owners, particularly after an attack. It warned that preventable livestock losses undermine efforts to increase local food production and may discourage established farmers from continuing to invest while deterring new farmers from entering the sector.
“Farmers should not have to continually bear the financial consequences of preventable attacks by uncontrolled dogs,” Dr George said.
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What fighting for them to be unmanaly some of them shows up late, haircuts looking like old sea urchins, smells like weed, dressing unprofessional,being on a cellphone all day no sense of responsibility hmmm I work with one local young man and he was interacting with some guests and the guests had to walk away and later complained about the situation some have no home training madam we have to look at the bigger picture company’s will not tolerate that.
Literally what are you talking about lol this is a news story about dogs
What fighting for them to be unmanaly some of them shows up late, haircuts looking like old sea urchins, smells like weed, dressing unprofessional,being on a cellphone all day no sense of responsibility hmmm I work with one local young man and he was interacting with some guests and the guests had to walk away and later complained about the situation some have no home training madam we have to look at the bigger picture company’s will not tolerate that.
Unleashed dogs are a menace to people who want to take a walk whether it’s in a village or in Road Town, Tortola. I am shocked to hear they are attacking other animals. These feral dogs need to be rounded up and impounded and taken off the streets. Harsh fines should be levied on owners whose dogs are unleashed. Locals and tourists should not have to fear being attacked by wild dogs while out for a run or walk in a civilized community.
roaming like tolan bi**hes..
What kind of dogs them is stick dogs