The Cayman Islands Humane Society has issued a call for volunteers to foster animals ahead of the arrival of what is expected to be Hurricane Ian.
“We have about 70 dogs on the site at the moment, and as many as possible need to go out to homes where they can be safe in an indoor environment during the storm,” said Samantha Cooper, the shelter’s operations manager.
The shelter, which houses cats and dogs, has frequently been flooded over the years, often from the slightest prolonged downpour.
“We only need people to take them for just a few days,” said Cooper, who added that they need homes for about 20 cats.
Persons who are willing to answer the call for help will have to meet several requirements, which Cooper said can be explained by visiting the shelter before 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
“They can either come in and have a chat with us, or they can give us a call to avoid making the journey and being disappointed,” Cooper said.
Failing to secure animals during a storm is an offence
While the shelter continues to make pleas for assistance, it is also reminding the public that failing to keep animals safe during a storm is an offence that carries fines and potential jail time.
Section 70 of the Animal Act 2015 Revision states at any person who “by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act… causes any unnecessary suffering or … any animal… commits an offence of cruelty and is liable on summary conviction to fine of four
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year”.
“We would like to remind the public that it is an offence to leave animals out in the storm,” said Cooper.
“When and where possible persons to secure animals, including pets and no pets because their safety matters too.
For more information on how to secure animals before during and after the storm, click here.
For the latest information on storm activity in the Cayman Islands, as well as information on how to prepare for hurricane season, visit Storm Centre.
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