Top government and animal health authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued clear public reassurances that an ongoing targeted stray canine collection initiative will not involve the mass culling of impounded animals, pushing back against widespread unsubstantiated concerns circulating among local residents. During a recent joint media interview, government minister Smith explicitly dismissed circulating rumors that the stray management operation was designed to euthanize captured dogs, emphasizing that the administration has zero intention of harming the collected animals. “No, no, no, not at all. We would never do that,” Smith stated firmly, outlining that all retrieved dogs are being transported directly to the local Humane Society, which operates dedicated, fully equipped kennel facilities to house the animals safely while long-term placement plans are coordinated. Dr. Chere Kellman, a practicing local veterinarian who has participated directly in on-the-ground collection efforts alongside certified municipal dog control officers, corroborated the minister’s statements, noting that every stray picked up during the operation is escorted immediately to the Humane Society site without any detours. At the shelter, the dogs are provided with consistent daily access to nutritious food and clean drinking water, with on-demand veterinary support on standby to address any health issues, injuries or special care needs the animals may have. In an official separate public advisory released by the national Veterinary Authority, the agency clarified that the entire stray management exercise was developed with three core public goals in mind: bolstering community public safety, upholding strict animal welfare standards, and establishing a sustainable, responsible framework for long-term stray animal governance. The formal notice explicitly stressed that the initiative is in no way structured as a mass euthanasia program. As part of the transparent placement process, photographs of all impounded dogs will be posted publicly for a minimum of two full working days, allowing original owners to locate and reclaim their lost pets. Any dogs that remain unclaimed after this two-day window will be prioritized for formal adoption and rehoming efforts to connect them with permanent, loving households. Authorities are also urging all local dog owners to take proactive steps to keep their pets properly secured under direct supervision when outside, ensure their animals carry clear, up-to-date identification to simplify the reclaim process if they go missing, and follow official government channels for real-time updates on the ongoing stray management operation.
‘We Would Never Do That’: Smith Says Stray Dogs Will Be Sheltered, Not Put Down
