If you’ve noticed more stray dogs and cats wandering around the neighbourhood recently, it may not be just a coincidence.
A stray who wandered away from its owners property, and into the front yard of a West Bay home. Photo: Brent Fuller |
Recent statistics released from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Humane Society seem to indicate the Islands are having more of a problem than ever with strays.
Collections of stray dogs and cats have increased by 25 per cent from 2005 to 2006. In 2006, the Agriculture Department and the Humane Society shelters reported collecting 1,785 strays. In 2005, that number was 1,427.
‘The 2006 numbers were some of the highest we’ve seen in quite a while,’ said Department of Agriculture spokesman Brian Crichlow.
‘Many of these animals (the Humane Society received) were abandoned by their owners,’ said Society board member Clare Hasart.
It’s not just strays that are causing problems in the community, according to RCIPS. The police department reported several complaints in the past few weeks about dogs running loose without owner supervision.
Also, the police department reported five incidents last month in which dogs attacked people. The victims included a 14-year-old girl who had a dog jump on her back, a 17-year-old who was bitten on the leg and a nine year-old who was bitten.
In a sixth incident, which wasn’t considered an attack, a dog was blamed for causing a rider to fall off their bike.
Mr. Crichlow said it’s difficult to determine whether there are actually more strays on the islands, or whether the agencies that handle them are just collecting more.
Jennifer May, a veterinarian’s assistant with the Humane Society, said the spay and neuter clinic the Society opened in August could help reduce the number of strays. The clinic has performed about 600 operations so far. The cost is a mere $50 donation.
The Department of Agriculture’s shelter had to euthanize more cats and dogs last year than it did in 2005. In 2006, 963 animals were euthanized; the year before, that number was 603.
The department has two employees who help collect strays. Also, private property owners can make requests to the department for non-lethal animal traps, which are set up to capture strays.
In a public place, both the police and Department of Agriculture officers have the right to capture strays.
The RCIPS can issue fines to people who allow their animals to stray. Owners of dangerous animals can face up to two years in prison if their pet attacks and injures someone.
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