The Ministry of Health is moving to control and reduce the increasing population of stray dogs across the country.
As a first step it has asked pet owners to make sure they license, spay or neuter their dogs and keep them within the confines of their property at all times. These requirements are outlined in the Dogs Control Ordinance and the Ministry is adamant that failure to comply will lead to prosecutions.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services Judith Campbell said:
“We have been hearing the concerns of residents that the stray dog population has been getting out of hand. The dogs move around in packs digging into and scattering garbage to create unsightly scenes in neighborhoods and across the country. They are a nuisance, and they pose a threat to health. People must be more responsible.”
The DOGS Control Ordinance (2005) requires that –
1. no person shall own or possess a dog which is more than three (3) months old, unless the person holds a license
2. that the dog is spayed or neutered
3. that the dog is not allowed to be outside the confines of their home/yard unattended
2. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in summary conviction of a fine of:
ü $500.00 if the unlicensed dog is spayed or neutered or
ü $1000.00 if the unlicensed dog is not spayed or neutered
Pet owners have been urged to contact the Environmental Health Department’s Animal Management Unit for further information.
