Issues

In Jamaica, there are concerns regarding animal welfare, as animals may be denied one or more of the Five Freedoms, which include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior, and freedom from fear and distress. Additionally, cases of animal cruelty are prevalent, exacerbating the issues related to animal welfare in the country.

Small Animal

Killing

Via deliberate physical trauma or poisoning (3)

Confinement neglect

Prolonged, unsanitary, exposure (2, 3, 5)

Delay or denial of medical treatment

Delay or denial of medical treatment (3, 4)

Lack of proper basic care based on peculiar needs

E.g. lack of grooming in long-haired breeds (2, 3, 4)

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse (3)

Denial of humane euthanasia when medical treatment is not feasible

Denial of humane euthanasia when medical treatment is not feasible (3, 4)

Starvation neglect

Starvation neglect (1, 3)

Wounding/Torture

Blunt force trauma (sticks and stones or cutting implements, also mutilation such as cropping of ears, docking of tails by inhumane means) (3)

Administration of improper ‘medical’ treatment

Administration of improper ‘medical’ treatment (e.g. knowingly using services of​ quacks) or using harmful ‘home remedies’ (3, 4)

Improper, violent ‘training’ techniques

Improper, violent ‘training’ techniques (3)

Inhumane breeding practices

Inhumane breeding practices

Issues related to larger animals – Equids (horses, donkeys, mules) and livestock - include:

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  • Lack of attention to basic needs (correct feed, shelter, medication)
  • Allowing livestock to roam freely in residential or commercial areas (& be a public nuisance)
  • Administration of improper “medical” treatment (e.g. knowingly using services of quacks) or harmful “home remedies” (with additional implications for food safety and antimicrobial resistance)
  • Failure to observe drug withdrawal periods following treatment (food safety issue)
  • Illegal Veterinary Services - The challenge is to eliminate the practice of unregistered persons providing veterinary services. This can be done through public education and strengthening of legislation and compliance services.
  • Inappropriate transport methods
  • Inhumane pre-harvesting handling and harvesting methods
  • Cruelty – wounding/injuring/sexual abuse
  • Abandonment of old/injured/uneconomical animals and lack of retirement homes are also issues.
  • Wildlife (Endemic/Endangered Species) - Capture, possession, killings are covered under the Wildlife Protection Act, but welfare issues could be added to charges.
  • Illegal Dog Breeding - ‘Puppy mills” are now a problem and efforts are being made to get the government to act on this matter

Stray Animals – The number of stray animals on our streets is a persistent problem. These include cats, dogs, goats, cows and horses, which are often starving, and in need of medical care. The plight of horses is of special concern – old, abandoned and abused, these animals need a sanctuary where they can be safe. Visitors to the island often complain bitterly of the poor treatment meted out to our animals, which detracts from the joy of their experience.

We Need Your Help!

Help make a difference to an animal welfare organization today! Your contribution can provide shelter, food, medical care, and other essential resources to animals in need.

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