Stray dogs in Bridgetown are still posing a major problem.

This was noted recently by head of the Animal Control Centre, Curtis Thompson, who cautioned that these animals attacked people and polluted streets with faeces and garbage.

Explaining that dogs are vectors for some common diseases, such as salmonellosis, leptospirosis and scabies, the Animal Control Officer said it was the responsibility of owners to ensure dogs were prevented from straying, and that they [the owners] could be charged for abandonment or neglect of these animals.

"Some of these dogs are licensed, and though they have owners, are allowed to stray and roam unsupervised, a situation which is untenable," he said.

While noting that his officers will continue to monitor the environs of Bridgetown periodically, he noted: "We will be removing any dogs found on any public pathway, street or, lane that are not on a lead or leash, or not held by a responsible individual."

And, he offered a number of suggestions to discourage strays by reducing food sources and places they could inhabit in and around the city. These included clearing of garbage and other rubbish from streets and alleys, boarding and sealing vacant buildings and garages, clearing areas between undeveloped sections and human dwellings, debushing vacant lots and the need for a sustained collection of all abandoned vehicles.

Mr. Thompson also urged the frequent collection of litter around restaurants, food shops, market places, food processing plants, hospitals and clinics, which existed in the environs. While adding that there was a dire need for the use of more containers in these areas, he acknowledged that his department was working with stakeholders, placing emphasis on bus terminals and beaches across the island to improve the waste disposal methods of all operators. This, he stressed was necessary to reduce the rummaging by stray dogs.

jgill@barbados.gov.bb

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