End the Poisoning of Dogs in Jamaica, Regulate Paraquat and Strengthen Animal Protection Laws

As a dedicated animal rescuer working in Jamaica with Compassion Kind and Portland Pups, I have witnessed the horrific suffering caused by the intentional poisoning of dogs. Dogs are being poisoned with toxic herbicides, including paraquat, commonly known through products such as Gramoxone or Gramexone. These animals do not die quickly or peacefully. They suffer severe pain, vomiting, organ damage, respiratory distress, and in many cases, a slow and agonizing death.

This is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a public health crisis, an environmental issue, a mental health issue, a child safety issue, and a failure of law enforcement and policy.

Paraquat is so dangerous that it has been banned in more than 70 countries. Yet in Jamaica, it remains too accessible. This chemical is not only being used in agriculture, it is also being used as a weapon against dogs, wildlife, communities, and families. Poison is being placed in yards, roadsides, beaches, and neighborhoods where children, pets, birds, goats, cats, and other animals can come into contact with it.

The trauma is devastating. Families are forced to watch beloved dogs convulse, bleed, struggle to breathe, and die. Children witness this violence. Communities become divided by fear, retaliation, and cruelty. No one should have to live beside neighbors who believe poisoning is an acceptable way to handle animals.

Paraquat also threatens Jamaica’s land and waterways. Toxic chemicals do not stay where they are placed. They move through soil, rain runoff, drains, gullies, rivers, and coastal environments, threatening wildlife, marine ecosystems, and the health of the island itself. Protecting dogs also means protecting Jamaica’s people, children, soil, water, reefs, and future.

Jamaica’s animal protection laws are outdated and inadequate. The Cruelty to Animals Act dates back to 1904, with its last listed amendment in 1995. That means Jamaica has gone decades without meaningful modern animal protection reform, while communities continue to face poisoning, neglect, abandonment, abuse, and weak accountability.

We are calling on the Government of Jamaica, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, the Pesticides Control Authority, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action.

We demand:

• Stronger animal cruelty laws with real penalties for poisoning, abuse, abandonment, and neglect.
• Clear enforcement protocols so reports of poisoning are investigated, documented, and prosecuted.
• Stricter regulation of paraquat and similar toxic herbicides, including permits, buyer registration, seller accountability, and restrictions on public access.
• Mandatory tracking of paraquat sales and stronger penalties for misuse.
• Public education campaigns on humane animal care, poisoning risks, child safety, suicide prevention, and environmental protection.
• Community-based spay and neuter support as a humane, long-term solution to the stray dog crisis.
• Environmental protections to prevent toxic chemicals from entering soil, waterways, coastal areas, and wildlife habitats.

The poisoning of dogs is not a solution. It is cruelty. It is violence. It is a danger to children, families, wildlife, and the environment. It reflects a deeper crisis that Jamaica can no longer ignore.

By signing this petition, you are standing for safer communities, stronger laws, responsible pesticide control, suicide prevention, environmental protection, and compassion for all living beings. It is time for Jamaica to say no more poisoning. No more silence. No more outdated laws. No more suffering.