Clarifying the Department of Agriculture’s Role in Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare on Grand Turk

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 21 November 2024: The Department of Agriculture acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the availability of full-time veterinary services on Grand Turk. It is important to clarify that the Department’s legal mandate is specifically focused on providing veterinary services for livestock and feral animals. The Department does not have the legal authority, resources, or facilities to offer veterinary care for pets and domestic animals.

To fulfil its mandate, the Department has implemented measures to ensure the welfare of livestock and feral animals, including:

• Providing daily care for injuries sustained by the island’s donkey population.
• Conducting weekly visits to livestock farms, including His Majesty’s Prison Farm, to monitor pest and disease outbreaks, offer technical advice, and ensure food safety.
• Engaging with horse owners to provide guidance and basic veterinary care.

Additionally, the Chief Veterinary Officer conducts scheduled visits to Grand Turk to address urgent animal health issues related to livestock and feral animals.

Ongoing Initiatives for Animal Welfare
The Department actively collaborates with partners to enhance animal welfare efforts, including:

• Partnering with the TSPCA to support spay and neuter clinics aimed at responsibly managing the pet population.
• Working with experts from the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK to develop sustainable care plans for Grand Turk’s donkey population, balancing their welfare with the needs of residents.
• Offering regular training sessions for livestock and horse owners, focusing on animal husbandry and care practices.

Responsibilities of Pet Owners and Private Sector Support
It is essential to emphasise that the care and management of pets and domestic animals fall under the responsibility of their owners. The Department does not provide veterinary services for pets or domestic animals. We strongly encourage residents to seek care for their pets from private veterinary clinicians who visit Grand Turk.

A Note on the Feral Donkey Population
We urge residents not to feed the feral donkeys, particularly along roadsides. Feeding disrupts their natural behaviour, increases the risk of injury to both people and animals and negatively impacts the local ecosystem.

The Department of Agriculture remains committed to working with the community to improve the welfare of livestock and feral animals. We encourage collaborative efforts to address animal welfare concerns constructively.