#TurksandCaicos, May 15, 2023 – The out-of-control population, especially for the growth of stray dogs alongside what appears to be quasi ownership and neglect, is overwhelming for some communities in Grand Turk.
Packs of dogs chasing cars, bicycles and golf carts are no longer a laughing matter. This coupled with constant howling at wee hours of the night is often times unbearable.
Most would agree stray dogs and wild donkeys are an issue, but there will always be a fierce debate over how best to respond.
It places focus on an issue that long divided opinions. The question that remains is, what to do with TCI’s vast number of stray animals?
Like many others, I’m a dog owner and some years ago, adopted two of my own. Quite frankly, I do have a sensitive side to animals. The donkeys are unique in a sense, charming, and because of their friendly nature, most tourists treat them as an open petting zoo.
Nevertheless, as pet owners we should have some kind of responsibility when it comes to properly caring for and the protection of these beautiful animals.
I realize like many Caribbean countries, it’s an island culture to allow your animals to roam freely. Nevertheless, the mere exponential growth of these two animals, particularly on the island of Grand Turk, is out of control.
We must come to the realization that we are no longer living in the 70s and 80’s with a limited number of vehicles on the streets.
Over the years, there have been reports of serious vehicle accidents as a result of these loose animals roaming the streets. In addition, these out of control animals are rummaging through residential garbage bins and contributing to issue the island is having with littering.
With the increasing number of stray dogs that are traveling in packs, it could also present a danger to citizens and tourists alike. Prior to the pandemic, an island-wide charitable spay and neuter program which was spearheaded by the TCSPCA, was underway. Despite the great success, it appears the program is not garnering the support it deserves.
A lack of continued neutering and spaying, will lead to the uncontrolled breeding of pets and wild animals. Unfortunately, with the high cost of animal care, many residents cannot afford the vet’s bills for injured or malnourished animals.
A few years ago, there was a new approach by the government with proposed laws that would have helped to deal with the situation, to include possible quarantine of the donkeys. I’m not a veterinarian, therefore, I cannot speak to what impact this would have on donkeys who have been introduced to the wild for such a long period of time.
Nonetheless, let’s consider the alternative, the laws still need to be tightened up and enforced, this will prevent accidental harm to humans and to the animals themselves.
Many citizens have raised concerns that cruelty and animal neglect complaints are not being treated as seriously or investigated as robustly as they should be. With the growth in human population over the years and changes in society, it should no longer be acceptable to own pets without having a properly fenced yard, and or a requirement to have them on a leash.
This long-standing issue is a very sensitive one, especially in Grand Turk, where the donkeys have become a part of the character of this beautiful by nature island.
I believe the solution lies in educating the public and possibly the need for a slight shift in cultural norms. Better yet, maybe it’s time for the government to incentivize owners to get their dogs spayed and neutered and fund direct investment in such clinics.
The recent announcement of a prison initiative to assist with caring for injured donkeys is an exceptionally good idea. Hopefully the department of agriculture can capitalize on this project.
According to Dr Brent, the local quarantine officer, his department has been tasked with developing a strategy to present to cabinet for consideration and approval. One of the immediate needs is a proper animal transport vehicle.
Here are a few other ideas to ponder.
-Can some of the donkeys be relocated to one of our deserted cays where they can roam freely?
-Can we export some of the animals to our neighboring country like Haiti, where they can be put to good use?
-Can we set up a sanctuary for these donkeys at north wells and create a real petting zoo, with an entry fee and all funds are reinvested for their care?
-Can the government commit to working in concert with TCSPCA to increase the number of spayed and neutered clinics across these islands?
At the end of the day, we can still live in harmony with these beautiful animals. Henceforth, the issue must be addressed and given more attention. If we fail to do so, it will only continue to create an endless cycle of need, animal abuse and neglect.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk