The Department of Agriculture continues to press down on the long-standing issue of stray animals along the main road network around the island.

The Animal ACT established in 2005 provides for the prevention of cruelty to animals, the seizure and impounding of stray animals, the proper control of animals, and related matters.

Agriculture Officer at the Livestock & Veterinary Division, Timothy Norville says that while the department’s efforts to control the stray livestock continue, public adherence to the legislation put in place by the Government of Saint Lucia plays a major role in preventing an increase. He also made mention of the growing issue of stray animals in the community of Beausejour.

“The history of the donkeys is that many years ago when Montserrat had the eruption, donkeys were given to farmers in the north of the island. Over the years the original owners have passed away, and those animals have multiplied. The major problem is that those animals are not in a fenced area per se and roam from the beach and now moved into residential areas.”

Another major impediment, according to Norville, is the presence of stray dogs on the island. He explains that over the years stray dogs have been one of the major causes of farmers losing their produce/ livestock.

“ A stray animal can pose a problem not only to itself but to people’s property. Not because an animal is tied means it would not be impounded. If an animal is tied closely to a foot path, close to any access road used by pedestrians, these animals too ca be impounded”

Mr. Norville encouraged the public to keep their animals in a manner that does not endanger motorists or the general public.