Activist chides govt indifference to animals

ANIMAL rights activist Jowelle De Souza says she is willing to give up everything to see policies and legislation come to pass to protect animals.

She has already issued a pre-action protocol letter to the Attorney General, seeking judicial review for Cabinet's failure to enact laws to prevent the suffering of domestic animals,

The San Fernando businesswoman held a public meeting last week at Jenny's on the Boulevard, Port of Spain, where participants were handed a copy of the pre-action protocol letter dated April 12, issued to the AG and giving him 28 calendar days to respond.

De Souza said government's disregard of the group's appeals was inexcusable, given the number of promises made to her and to the many other organisations which have lobbied tirelessly for years.

"There are so many educated people here in TT that sit in our Parliament today for more than 20 years, and none have ever seen it fit to bring animal welfare, really bring that to the forefront," De Souza said in her address to a modest gathering.

De Souza and Goal created a petition earlier this month, addressed to Parliament, seeking an update and amendment to legislation on animal welfare, increased fines, a nationwide spay and neuter campaign, the implementation of educational programmes on animal welfare, action to address the illegal wildlife trade and the regulation of unmonitored practices of breeding.

"Goal hopes that when thousands of signatures are gained, that a significant decision to positively address these issues will bring redress for the animals," the document concluded. The petition, which has gathered nearly 3,000 signatures, will be used, De Souza said, to highlight the public's support for their legal challenge.

Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, who has responsibility for the environment has since promised increased penalties for people found guilty of animal cruelty. Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith has also indicated that the police service will pay greater attention to dealing with the issue of animal cruelty in terms of enforcing existing laws via arrest and prosecution.