The Department of Agriculture is again appealing to members of the public to immediately cease and desist from the practice of theft and deliberate destruction of the equipment used to humanely trap the stray dogs.
The Ministry of Environment and Human Affairs is disappointed that this behavior has not abated. The recent thefts and destruction of traps have temporarily halted the progress of the trapping programme on Providenciales. The most recent thefts are of the new traps, bought to replace those that were stolen.
The trapping programme is designed to reduce the number of stray and feral dogs on the Islands thereby reducing the risk to life and property as a result of accidents or public health issues resulting from disease or bites.
Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Mark Butler noted; “This type of vandalism is unacceptable. The Department uses these traps to affect the stray dog population. Without these traps we cannot remove these dogs from our communities.
“Such practice, if continued, will curtail the gains we have made to reduce the stray dog population in Providenciales, as well as the financial applications associated with purchasing replacement traps. ”
The Ministry advises members of the public that engaging in the theft of government property constitutes a crime. Perpetrators of all such acts, if caught, will be charged and put before the courts.
The Department urges all persons to report these acts of theft and those who are responsible to the Department of Agriculture and or the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The Department also takes this opportunity to remind residents to become responsible animal owners by ensuring that their dogs are spay or neutered, licensed and kept on their property.
