A local animal welfare group is calling for urgent action to tackle what it says is Barbados’ growing dog crisis.
The call from Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary comes after a recent dog attack in Bayville, St Michael, which left a woman and two children injured.
Sharing during a recent statement, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Karen Whittaker said it was time for stronger legislation, consistent enforcement, and greater responsibility among dog owners.
“No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhood. Animal abandonment and stray dogs have become national health and safety concerns. It is time for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and responsible ownership,” Whittaker said.
Ocean Acres recommended several measures, including regular inspections of properties where dogs are kept, penalties or removal of animals from non-compliant owners, and annual checks of registered kennels to ensure they meet tax and sanitary requirements.
The sanctuary also called for tighter controls on the importation of dogs, including a ban on certain large, thick-coated breeds such as Huskies and Akitas, which Whittaker said are unsuited to the island’s tropical climate.
The statement further proposed only registered breeders or owners importing neutered pets be allowed to bring dogs into the island, and animal welfare representatives be involved in all inspection and approval processes.
To curb the growing stray population, Ocean Acres is recommending a five-year moratorium on dog imports, with limited exemptions for licensed breeders.
The group also urged the government to strengthen the Animal Control Unit and Veterinary Services Division to improve enforcement and oversight.
Stressing that the issue does not lie with the animals, but with neglectful ownership, Whittaker said, “To be clear, there are no bad dogs. These are dogs in the wrong place without adequate care and supervision.”
“People need to think carefully about the type of dog they are getting, if they can care for it properly, or whether they should be getting a dog at all.”
She added that shelters are already stretched to capacity, with many owners abandoning large breeds once they become unmanageable.
“They are adorable as puppies, but often outgrow their homes.”
“Many owners lack the means to manage them properly, and when that happens, tying them up or letting them roam is not a solution. There are only two viable choices: invest the time and resources to manage them responsibly, or have them humanely euthanised.”
Ocean Acres maintains that stronger legislation, enforcement, and public education, alongside collaboration between government, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups, are critical to resolving what it describes as a national animal welfare crisis.
The post Animal welfare group calls for urgent action appeared first on Barbados Today.
