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The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is warning dog owners to take responsibility for their canines or face the fullest prosecution possible by law.
Over the last few weeks, the RCIPS said it has received a number of complaintsӔ regarding dogs running free, with their owners not taking responsibility for their actions.
Residents of West Bay alone have filed more than 100 dog-related complaints for the year. In addition, there were two reports of people being bitten by stray dogs in Cayman Brac within a single week.
The situation is a cause for concern, explained West Bay Area Commander Chief Inspector Angelique Howell.
Dogs are terrorizing our neighborhoods and it needs to stop. Owners cannot allow their animals to roam free to frighten, chase and, even more seriously, bite people and other animals,Ӕ she told Cayman Net News.
We would like to impress upon people the fines for not taking responsibility for their pets.Ӕ
Under the Animal Law (2003) anyone found guilty of permitting an animal to stray in the community could be liable to a $500 fine. In addition, if an animal is deemed to be dangerous or out of control in a public place the responsible person could be subject to a $4000 fine or six months in prison.
If an animal hurts an individual, the person in charge could face up to two years in prison. Additional laws proscribe cruelty to and mistreatment of pets.
Allowing a dog to stray can also put the animal in danger by exposing it to parasites, disease and poisons. In addition, the animals are more likely to be hit by vehicles or exposed to attacks. Free-roaming dogs also increase chances of an unchecked rise in the canine population.
Letting a pet run loose increases the chances of losing the animal, leading to the possibility of the dog being trapped and impounded. To reduce the odds of an animal straying, owners are urged to close gates, fence their yards, use kennels and take pets on scheduled walks for essential exercise.
For the year, five prosecutions have been taken before the courts and police continue to warn dog owners that more will occur where evidence is available.
Chief Inspector Howell emphasized her concern about the general situation, saying, We would like to get a sense of relief that animal owners are taking responsibility for their pets and understand the implications that disregarding their responsibility poses on other people.Ӕ
Anyone who wants to report stray dogs or dog attacks should contact their local police station or the Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Unit on 947-3090, in Grand Cayman, and 948-0522 in Cayman Brac.
If a pet dog goes missing, owners should check with the Department of Agriculture pound as well as the Cayman Islands Humane Society.
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