Our hearts are heavy with the suffering of hundreds of innocent dogs who have been exterminated using a commonly available lethal poison: Paraquat. This dangerous and wildly available herbicide causes an agonizing and painful death, burning the gastrointestinal tract and scarring the lungs, leading to a horrid week of suffering before the inevitable. Tragically, there is no known antidote nor treatment for paraquat poisoning. It's a stark reality that this potent poison can be purchased and used without any regulation.

The sad reality is that paraquat, due to its cheap price and high potency, is often used by heartless individuals to poison unsuspecting animals in Dominica and across the CARICOM. Dogs are the frequent victims, consuming food laced with only a few drops of this toxic substance. The result? A fast, immeasurably painful demise. Refusal to consume the doctored food results in the perpetrators pouring paraquat on the animals, leading to skin burns, facial deformities, and blindness. 

Sadly, humans aren't exempt from this pervasive tragedy either. People struggling with mental health issues, unable to attain the requisite guidance and support, use paraquat as a means of suicide.

This has to stop. We must enforce a strict control over the use and purchase of paraquat. It's high time that this potent chemical is limited to those who are issued a government farming license, ensuring its use is monitored and utilized only for those purposes where it is truly necessary.

We plea for your compassion, understanding, and urgency in addressing this issue. Help us protect the lives of helpless animals and vulnerable people. Please, sign this petition and support our cause to implement strict controls on Paraquat.