My journey with the issue of animal cruelty in Jamaica started on a personal level. My adopted jampup Coral Jo, who arrived in Canada on December 24, 2024, had been the victim of cruel mistreatment. Resort staff had physically abused her, and she was eventually left abandoned and dumped somewhere in town. Her ordeal led me, along with others, on a determined search that thankfully ended with her safe return a week later. Coral Jo is now a beloved member of our family, her resilience an everyday reminder of our triumphant struggle against inhumane treatment of animals. 

Unfortunately, stories like Coral Jo’s are not uncommon in Jamaica, where the legal framework inadequately protects animals. Despite laws being in existence to protect animal rights, their enforcement remains lax and ineffective. Furthermore, the penalties for animal abuse are shamefully low, acting as no deterrent at all. In Jamaica, $6 US is the penalty issued in a recent case involving the cruel theft and death of two dogs. Innocent little Shih tzus were snatched out of their yard by Colleen Samuels. She stuffed them into a rice bag and disposed of them while referring to them as filthy fleas.  Such ill treatment of animals is beyond unacceptable and urgently needs reform.

Tourism, Jamaica's number one industry, is at stake as visitors are aghast at the cruelty they witness, often vowing never to return. Animals are tied up in scorching heat with no water. They are often beaten, killed, hit by cars (sometimes intentionally) and attacked with machetes. It is high time that Jamaica takes strides towards not just making such acts illegal, but also strengthening enforcement and punitive measures. Colleen Samuels is due to return to court on April 17. Animal activists will be present and loud!! Let's make our presence felt and voice our demand for stronger animal cruelty laws and their stern enforcement.

Petition the Government of Jamaica to increase penalties for animal abuse, improve enforcement of existing laws, and promote awareness regarding animal rights. Let us stand together for the rights of creatures who cannot speak for themselves, like Coral Jo, and make a difference.

Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture (email; psecoffice@moa.gov.jm & customer feedback page https://www.moa.gov.jm/customer-feedback/index.php 

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism (contact info- copy and paste in browser) www.mot.gov.jm/contact/Contact%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Tourismneed

The world is watching and it’s time for change. Please sign this petition and join us in our campaign.