NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Dog owners put on notice get your dogs licensed now or face possible fines in the new year.
That warning comes after authorities issued more than 50 citations, totaling over $15,000 in an island-wide crackdown.
And, the crackdown is about to get tougher.
Our Delvardo Emmanuel reports.
More than $15,000 in fines and over 50 citations – that’s what animal control officers issued during the government’s dog amnesty program in September.
The initiative, called Mission Pawsible, was launched on August 31st following a series of serious dog attacks across the country.
Dog owners were given from September 1st through the 30th to register their animals free of charge, while also being encouraged to keep their dogs properly restrained and vaccinated.
But while registration penalties were waived, other animal control laws were still being enforced.
Director of Agriculture Dr. Jason Sands says most of those fines were issued right here in New Providence.
“ During the amnesty period, the amnesty period was intended to encourage registrations, and so we were, we were not issuing fines for registrations, or unlicense animals during that time. We were, however, issuing fines for, violations of the law in- including dog attacks, allowing dogs to be a nuisanc to the public. And so we issued a number of fines during, during the month.”
But despite those violations, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell says the response from dog owners was overwhelming.
In fact, the program was oversubscribed, with an influx of partipants across New Providence and several family islands.
With more dog owners looking to get their pets registered, Campbell says they are also looking at the next phase.
“ Despite the amnesty period, we were still enforcing breaches that certain other breaches that fell under the relevant act as it relates to animal control and protection. And, uh, there is definitely going to be a phase two. Uh, we are in consultation with those partners that I mentioned earlier because there seems to be a desire to extend this period, um, to roll it out to allow other persons throughout the family islands and other persons even right here at home in New Providence to participate in what it was that we offered in the month of September.”
There’s more good news for dog owners who missed out.
Dr. Sands says the amnesty is being extended through the year, giving more time to get dogs licensed.
The department is also adding a second registration location after long lines left some residents waiting longer than expected.
But come January, Sands says officers will be taking a much tougher approach.
