Poisoning Of Animals

The Editor
The Anguillian

Dear Sir

We write in support of the recent Letters to the Editor regarding the poisoning of animals in Anguilla. As with all issues there are two sides to the story: On one side is the owner of goats or sheep who perceives dogs as a threat to his/her livestock; on the other side is the innocent pet owner who becomes victim of a nasty and unmerciful crime. In other cases poisoning is used to dispose of unwanted animals. All too often our membership and, in particular, our veterinary professionals have seen the painful results of poisoning of animals and in many cases are helpless to save them.

The Government of Anguilla should consider the repercussions of indiscriminate use of poisoning especially with regard to children. We hope that it does not take the loss of a human life to make Government take notice that our animals are suffering from a crime.

We encourage responsible pet ownership and at the same time ask the Government of Anguilla to provide the resources to enforce the animal welfare laws that were enacted in 2001.

We also ask those who use poisoning, to consider other methods that are more humane. AARF will take in unwanted animals and find suitable homes, or provide humane euthanasia without the suffering and risk to human life which cruel and indiscriminate poisoning produces.

The Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation.