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Animal Welfare Concerns Raised as Stray Dog Problem Affects Tourism
Concerns over Antigua and Barbuda’s stray dog problem have resurfaced following negative reviews from tourists on platforms such as TripAdvisor, prompting renewed discussions about the enforcement of the Dog Control Act.
During the Post-Cabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst acknowledged that the lack of enforcement has contributed to a growing population of stray and unleashed dogs, which pose not only a nuisance but also a safety risk.
“We do not enforce our Dog Control Act. But we don’t really enforce either our Animal Cruelty Act,” Hurst admitted.
The issue has gained attention after tourists raised concerns about the high number of stray dogs, describing their presence as alarming in online travel reviews. Some visitors have expressed shock and dismay at seeing emaciated or injured animals roaming the streets, calling for stronger measures to address the problem.
According to Hurst, Cabinet members were made aware of these concerns, and the responsible minister was instructed to take immediate action.
“Yesterday, after Dr. Robbins told us this, the minister who was responsible was made aware that a stepped-up effort will be required. And so he promised the Cabinet that he would do just that and make a report in a week or two,” Hurst said.
Animal welfare activists have long called for stronger regulations on pet ownership, including mandatory sterilization programs and stricter leash laws, to curb the growing stray population. However, enforcement efforts have been sporadic, and funding for animal welfare initiatives has been limited.
With concerns now impacting the country’s tourism reputation, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take meaningful steps to improve enforcement and implement long-term solutions to control the stray dog population.
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So if I make some post on TripAdvisor the government will do something about the homeless people? like I don’t know give them a homeless shelter
Very true… I care about the dogs, but realistically, can’t be building dog shelters before providing a shelter, at least a place for a shower, maybe some donated clothing, and some help finding a job, for the homeless on the streets.
Stray dogs have been an issue for years—why is it only a concern now that tourism is impacted?
Hope the government chooses ethical solutions, not just mass culling.
Tourists might be uncomfortable, but imagine how the dogs feel—hungry, sick, and homeless.
Hope the government chooses ethical solutions, not just mass culling.
Stronger animal control policies and public awareness campaigns could help manage this.
Young Antiguan Communist???? You must have fled the scene before Trump’s ICE got around to you. Antiguans have no issues whatsoever with any Communists. This is 2025, remember?
Stray Dogs are a concern. What happens if someone was attacked by a stray dog? I am not referring to a Tourist, any one.Something needs to be done like yesterday,to control the dogs population. Spay and Neuter should be available 24/7. Just do not euthanized them. For in my opinion. It would be taking the easy way out.
Most stray dogs are peaceful. It’s the “owned” ones off their leaches you have to worry about when you’re passing by people’s yards. Maybe the government should just ban all dogs since dog “owners” can’t keep their dogs under control and there is modern technology now to protect houses. Can finally take a walk in peace.
The crux of the matter is a lack of education. #”Its just a dumb animal ” is the mentality across the Caribbean region..” Animals don’t have souls, so it don’t matter how they’re treated” – one woman said to me in Nevis. I don’t want my dog to turn into a ‘lady dog’- a comment about neutering male dogs in Antigua.
Unless we create and implement humane education programmes in schools, church groups, liaise with communities, the issue will never improve. Dogs, cats, horses pigs, cows sheep are all sentient beings with emotions, love and a will to live their best lives in safety. Most children are not made aware of the emotional intelligence of animals
We need to get to the root of the problem, take time to educate, nurture, teach; BE KIND to ALL Animals. Humans are animals too.
Children are quite aware that dogs are smart and have feelings. Most children love pets. What does that have to do with stray dogs? The problem is not one of “raising awareness” but one of implementing practical solutions. The obvious solution is to have an animal rescue van driving around regularly to collect strays, especially in the city, and take them to some kind pound to be taken care of and then shipped off to wherever they are wanted. If you want to help then donate the vans and equipment to the government and help fund the rescue center. Probably the government has other financial priorities since humans can’t always get water around here…
The problem is rooted in the way Antiguans traditionally “care” for their animals… thinking that as long as a bowl of food is made available regularly, that’s all that is necessary. The belief that litters of puppies are great, not neutering male dogs because it might emasculate them. Chaining them up in yards 24 hours/day. Enter some of the residential areas and you’ll hear barking and whining 24 hours/day. This rubs against the way Americans and Europeans see pets as family members.
This is about pervasive animal cruelty, not just tourism.
Americans and Europeans see dogs as family, Some cultures see dogs as food. Antiguans see dogs as animals. Nothing wrong with that. Probably the most same view. Keeping an animal tied up all the time is not ideal. But, people do it because they can’t afford fencing to let the dog run will, and they want to protect their human family from intruders. They also want to protect innocent passers by from being mauled. They are making the best decision for their lives. If you want to help, then offer to pay for fencing for poor people so they can let the dogs run around more.
Antiguans are not particularly cruel to animals. There’s a general live and let live, freedom-loving, low regulation vibe in the country that more explains the attitude to that problem. If it’s not critically important to survival, it’s not a priority. There are bigger issues facing the country such as affordable and climate-resistant housing shortages, water shortages etc. facing humans. It’s sad that some dogs end up as strays on the street, but for the most part, no-one is deliberately being “cruel” to them.
Stop ignoring the dogfighting rings that appear to be protected by the police would be a start!
Provide fiscal help to Dogs and Cats and Paaws, not just funding the Humane Society, they do not have a voice on the Island.
Take reports of animal cruelty seriously.
Start with the question of why is there so many stray dogs and why are there so many owned dogs wandering? Create a list of reasons for your community and develop programs to stop the causes. Is it abandonment of pets? Is it due to lack of education on what responsible pet ownership entails, lack of funds to provide food or medical treatment, education needed on spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litters or even transportation needed to take your pet to the vet. Is it pets escaping from their owner’s yards and wandering away possibly getting pregnant and then not wanted? Do people have safe places to take their dogs for walks on leash. Are dogs licensed or micro chipped so their owners can be located? Are the existing dog control laws being enforced so that females
dogs in heat are not getting pregnant, so that people feel safe walking their own dog on leash without coming upon unleashed, unaccompanied dogs. Lots of education, animal welfare laws enforced, expanded spay and neutering education, with promotion and incentives all with the support of government and a caring community can fix this human problem. The animals are innocent victims.