Nevis' Minister Hon. Mark Brantley's answer to this incident that we brought to his attention: A 63 year old American female tourist on Nevis was threatened by 3 young local men who were abusing 3 young dogs by forcing them to swim with heavy chains around their necks,( a common practice amongst dog fighters to "train" their dogs), using one as a football while another was nearly drowning and one lay already half dead on the beach.. When she asked the men to stop, one of them yelled obscenities a her, calling their activity " local culture" and threatened to harm her if she didn't mind her own business. This incident took place on one of Nevis's premier tourist beaches. The minister's answer: These are matters which are of grave concern to us. We are not tourists. We live here. This is our island and we are exceedingly proud to be privileged to call Nevis home. So when these incidents occur it is imperative that we get the evidence so we can act decisively. The government is committed to dealing with these issues as and when they arise and will continue to partner with the local veterinary community, ARK, CARE Nevis and Nevis Animal Speak to further educate and sensitize our people. We feel this type of partnership works and we shall continue to engage positively. Regards Hon Mark Brantley Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation Tourism, Health, Culture, Information, Youth, Sports, Community Development, Gender and Social Welfare Bath Hotel NEVIS 1(869)4695821 (tel) 1(869)6626003 (cell) 1(869)4691806 (fax) mark.brantley@niagov.com www.niagov.com We advise therefore visitors of Nevis encountering animal abuse to take photos, make videos, with date and place, seek witnesses of the situation and call the police immediately to help Nevis authorities to get the needed evidence but refrain from endangering yourself by taking courageous actions on your own.