Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the stunning beaches and charming villages of Antigua and Barbuda—nearly 1 million in 2019. For many, this will be their first and last trip, after witnessing the dire reality of life for too many animals in this "paradise."

Dogs tied up in bags, left to suffocate, die, and rot. Malnourished puppies trying to nurse off dead mothers, as maggots begin to consume their tiny bodies. Dogs convulsing in the gutter, as poison overtakes their system in a horrifyingly painful death.

Unfortunately, these are just three examples of the abuse we witness daily as citizens of Antigua. To us, these are reminders of the importance of our work to spay/neuter, educate the public on animal welfare, and rescue the animals we can. To tourists—and especially to children—these are traumatic sights that have left many individuals we spoke with vowing to never set foot or spend a dollar on Antigua again.

"I'm not ever going on holiday there again! Too upsetting!"

"This is why we said we would never go to Antigua again. Despite so many kind people... This island (not the only one) deserves to be boycotted by tourists."

"When there are so many other options for a tropical Caribbean vacation spot, something that seems small and trivial to them is big enough to stop me from ever coming back."

While we continue to address the overpopulation problem, and rescue as many animals as we can through our own fundraising and operations, we are begging the government to take action. And if you do not do it for the sake of ending needless animal suffering, please do it to preserve the tourism and livelihood of our country. Do it to represent the many Antiguan citizens that love and cherish their pets and call this island a beloved home.

We are asking the government and police force to:

1) Respond to every legitimate report of animal abuse. When we come across instances of abuse, we report it, and encourage others to do the same. Unfortunately, we hear all too often that these reports are not investigated nor acted upon.

2) Enforce animal welfare and abuse laws.

Per the Animal Health Act of 2017, Part VI, Section 36, “No person shall torture, beat, injure, mutilate, neglect or treat with cruelty or overload an animal.” Further, under section 37, “Any person who owns or is in charge of an animal shall comply with regulations on animal welfare…No owner or person in charge of an animal shall permit an act by another person that causes unnecessary suffering to an animal.”

3) Prosecute the perpetrators, to the full extent of the law. 

Per the Animal Health Act of 2017, Part VII, Section 45, “A person commits an offence if he or she either personally or indirectly through an employee or agent…tortures or treats an animal contrary to animal welfare requirements…shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000, or to imprisonment not exceeding five years, or to both fine and imprisonment.”

Did you know that animal abuse often hints at psychopathy (Science Direct, 2022) including domestic violence, child abuse, sexual predation, rape, and killing? So, if you don’t do it for the animals, do it to protect your own citizens.

We will continue taking care of the dogs that are homeless, abandoned, dying from heartworm, and otherwise victims of the overpopulation situation. We are begging the government to enforce the laws—yes, existing, on-the-books laws—and take care of the animals that are suffering at the hands of Antigua and Barbuda citizens.

Enough is enough. No more dogs in bags. No more puppies in boxes. No more poisoned mamas.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Mahatma Gandhi

Regards,

Joy Farrell, Founder and Director, Dogs and Cats of Antigua