By Steve Thomas
Nevis Observer Editor
(Charlestown, Nevis) – Nevisian animal rights advocates say some progress has been made in efforts to curb dog poisoning and dog fighting, but says more needs to be done to stop these practices. They are calling on the government to step up enforcement against illegal blood sports on Nevis.
“We have been working hard with members of government,” Human Society interim president Marti Salvato said at the group’s Jan. 12 meeting. “We’ve made a lot of progress. It’s not all doom and gloom.”
About 30 people attended the meeting held at the Café Des Arts in Charlestown.
The society is aware of 300-400 dog poisonings each year on Nevis, Ms. Salvato said. The society also has reports of dogs being hanged and burned, she said.
Unless steps are taken to bring these actions under control, Ms. Salvato said, the society would consider publicizing these incidents, which might have an adverse impact on the image of Nevis.
“If (the government doesn’t) do something about dogs hanging from trees,” she said, “we’ll get the word out.”
Board member Barbara Frazier called on the government to find a qualified officer to handle animal law enforcement duties.
Due to many other demands, law enforcement officials are not making a special effort in the area of fighting animal cruelty, Police Inspector Cromwell Henry said, but officers need help from the public to do what they can.
“We must have knowledge of it to enforce the law,” he said. “If persons have knowledge, we urge them to come forward. The police will investigate and act according to the law.”
At Saturday’s meeting, board member Bonnie Berlinghoff read a statement highlighting issues she said needed to be addressed.
“The first area, which presents a danger not only to domestic pets, but to small children of families living in every community, is the illegal poisoning of domestic animals, be they dogs, cats, goats, sheep or donkeys. When poisoned food is thrown into a neighbor’s yard, not only are the existing laws of Nevis broken and domestic pets killed, but most importantly, the lives of small children who play in these yards are put in immediate danger,” Ms. Berlinghoff said.
After reviewing the situation regarding the destruction of farm animals and domestic pets by packs of roaming dogs, Ms. Berlinghoff looked at the problem of blood sports.
“We all know that dog fighting is tied in with gambling, which appeals to youths as a fast and macho way to make money,” she said. “Unfortunately, it also appeals to some adults. The majority of Nevis religious and community leaders do not approve of either fighting or gambling of this kind. And very positive measures and actions have been undertaken by the Government in their Youth Leadership Programme, working with young people in many different areas to inspire and encourage them to pursue positive interests in their daily lives. So let us all work together to stop this cruel and inhumane practice and develop new and exciting ways for youths and others to relax and enjoy themselves, without resorting to violence and killing games.”
The Humane Society’s ARK, which concentrates on animal rescue, was also discussed by Ms. Berlinghoff.
The ARK continues “to work with community leaders, educators and schools, and families to teach young children the joys of caring for and taking responsibility for the animals of their environment,” she said. “ARK urgently needs volunteers willing to develop and disseminate advocacy and educational materials specifically targeted to the primary and secondary schoolchildren of Nevis.”
In other business:
-The society voted to require deposits to be paid on all animal traps before the devices can be borrowed. A year ago, the society had eight cat traps and now only one remains. The cost of the deposit will be equal to the cost of the trap. The deposit will be returned when the trap is returned.
-Volunteers are needed to organize the Taste of Nevis fund-raising event scheduled for March. If planning for the event does not progress, Ms. Salvato said, it may have to be scaled back.
