Barbados is grappling with a mounting dog crisis, prompting urgent calls for action from local animal welfare organizations. The issue gained heightened attention following a recent dog attack in Bayville, St Michael, which left a woman and two children injured. Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary, a prominent animal welfare group, has issued a statement demanding stronger legislation, consistent enforcement, and greater accountability among dog owners. Karen Whittaker, Founder and CEO of Ocean Acres, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘No one should feel unsafe walking in their own neighbourhood. Animal abandonment and stray dogs have become national health and safety concerns. It is time for stronger legislation, better enforcement, and responsible ownership.’
Ocean Acres has proposed a series of measures to address the crisis. These include regular inspections of properties housing dogs, penalties or removal of animals from non-compliant owners, and annual checks of registered kennels to ensure compliance with tax and sanitary requirements. The sanctuary also advocates for stricter controls on dog imports, including a ban on certain large, thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Akitas, which are deemed unsuitable for Barbados’ tropical climate.
Additionally, the group recommends that only registered breeders or owners importing neutered pets be permitted to bring dogs into the island, with animal welfare representatives involved in all inspection and approval processes. To reduce the stray dog population, Ocean Acres has suggested a five-year moratorium on dog imports, with limited exemptions for licensed breeders.
The organization has also urged the government to bolster the Animal Control Unit and Veterinary Services Division to enhance enforcement and oversight. Whittaker stressed that the root of the problem lies not with the animals but with neglectful ownership. ‘To be clear, there are no bad dogs. These are dogs in the wrong place without adequate care and supervision,’ she said. She further cautioned potential dog owners to carefully consider their ability to care for a pet, noting that shelters are already overwhelmed, particularly with abandoned large breeds that become unmanageable as they grow.
Whittaker highlighted the need for responsible ownership, stating, ‘Many owners lack the means to manage them properly, and when that happens, tying them up or letting them roam is not a solution. There are only two viable choices: invest the time and resources to manage them responsibly, or have them humanely euthanised.’ Ocean Acres maintains that resolving the crisis will require stronger legislation, enforcement, public education, and collaboration between government, veterinarians, and animal welfare groups.