Shocked by animal neglect in TT

THE EDITOR: Visiting TT is a bittersweet experience. My husband and I have been to TT several times. As much as we love your country for the people, the culture and the wildlife, we are saddened and shocked by the suffering and neglect of dogs, cats and other animals. All too often we have witnessed skeletal dogs who are covered in scabs instead of fur and do not have the basic essentials of life.

Locals have told us that income from tourism is important to TT. However, given the dire situation for the animals, we cannot recommend it to others as a destination. If the Government wants to increase tourism, then it must improve the lives of animals. No one wants to travel to a country to see animals being abused and neglected and be haunted by the images of suffering.

It has been said that the greatness of a nation can be judged in a way its animals are treated and if that is the case, then TT is not doing enough. With the high rate of violent crime, some compassion for all living things, starting with animals, would go a long way towards building a safer environment for everyone.

Children who are raised in a culture of kindness and respect for all animals are more likely to grow up to be responsible and kind citizens. After all, the best education starts at home.

In Canada, where the majority of households have at least one cat or dog, it is common for parents to raise their children to view their animal companions as cherished members of their families.

The situation where I live in Ontario is by no means perfect when it comes to animal protection. However, in January the provincial government passed an act for stiffer penalties and appointed a team of government-funded and trained inspectors to investigate animal cruelty and neglect cases.

While we have yet to see how this plays out, taking the responsibility from the inadequately funded and staffed Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a step in the right direction. In addition, prosecutors will receive education on animal cruelty laws which will hopefully lead to more convictions and stronger penalties.

The hard work and dedication of the animal rights activists in TT is inspiring. They are doing an excellent job fighting for change and compassion. We took part in the Voice of the Black Dog Social Media Protest this week because we care deeply about the people and the animals of TT.

This week, Parliament seemed favourable to increasing penalties. However the legislation is powerless without government-funded enforcement and education programmes to prevent cruelty and neglect.

We have taken several animals in a desperate state to the TTSPCA in Tobago and while they appear to be doing their best, they are understaffed and underfunded, with no government support.

If the Government wants more people to come and see the beauty of your country, then it is imperative that it becomes a safer place for animals. Compassion for others in general starts with kindness towards all living things, humans and animals alike.

TERESA SHEVCHENKO

via e-mail