Calls For More Action

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In this second edition of dog attack survivor, Alicia Barton’s story, Barton talks about the need for change.

Barton tells us she’s greatly frustrated by the thought that, to her knowledge, the Animal Protection and Control bill has gone largely unnoticed.

Barton is speaking out after 61-year-old Anthony Gary Swann was allegedly mauled to death by dogs last month.

The Animal Protection and Control bill was written in 2009 and the Animal Protection and Control Act came into effect in 2010. 

That act also brought forth the establishment of an Animal Protection and Control Board, but board members say the board has been largely inactive since then, as a result of a lack of government participation across multiple administrations and party lines.

While some members have commended the Agricultural Minister Clay Sweeting’s accessibility, APCB board member and Bahamas Humane Society president notes how long it has taken to get government attention. 

The Animal Protection and Control Act also says that the APCB would be the competent authority – but they also can’t get info from the Animal Control Unit.

Agriculture Minister Clay Sweeting is slated to meet with the APCB next week, and the case against the owner of the dog’s that attached Barton begins on October 8th.