Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a formal investigation and pledged to pursue maximum legal penalties following the brutal killing of multiple protected snakes, an incident captured in a viral social media video that has sparked official outrage.
The Forestry Department issued a forceful condemnation on December 31st after being alerted to a deeply disturbing video circulating online. The footage graphically depicted five Saint Lucia boas (locally known as ‘Tete Chien’) being bludgeoned to death. This endemic species holds protected status under the nation’s Wildlife Protection Act.
In an official statement, the Department characterized the act as ‘extreme cruelty’ and ‘unacceptable,’ confirming it constitutes a major criminal offense under Chapter 6.03 of the Wildlife Protection Act, last revised in 2001. The legislation explicitly prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing protected wildlife without specific authorization, with additional provisions banning cruel methods of execution.
The Department emphasized its zero-tolerance stance toward such ‘irresponsible and indiscriminate killing,’ asserting it will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure perpetrators face full prosecution. Officials are collaborating closely with national police forces to advance the investigation.
Under the Act, penalties for such wildlife crimes can reach up to EC $5,000 per animal killed, potential imprisonment, or both. The Department has confirmed it will be seeking the most severe sanctions available.