Dear Editor,
On October 7, 2010 I got a call from a friend and animal lover telling me of a Pitbull called Tiger, locked in a kennel at what had once been Neesa Gopaul’s home. It seems that an alert member of the public, passing by the house every day, heard cries from the dog locked in the kennel and made the call to my friend. Concerned, he explained what was happening and gave me the woman’s number and asked me to see if I could help the animal. When I spoke with the caller, she said she had been hearing the cries for a week and was concerned the dog may not have food and water.
I called back my friend and reminded him the dog was at a crime scene and only the crime chief could give permission to remove it. He then sought permission and the authorization to rescue the dog was granted. I then called Ms Sheromanie Isaacs, Secretary of the GSPCA, informed her of Tiger’s plight and asked if the society could keep the Pitbull. After internal consultation she informed me that they could help wherever possible, as long as the dog was signed over to the GSPCA. She said they would keep the dog and try to find an appropriate home for him once he was not aggressive.
Mrs Isaacs sent their animal inspector to assist me and former Inspector, Colin Piper, to rescue the dog. Armed with sling, food, gloves, muzzle, kennel and snare, we drove to Lenora Police Station, picked up a police officer and two family members to assist us onto the property. With deep sadness we entered the yard and immediately went to the kennel, calling out to Tiger in a gentle voice. We were pleased to hear his tail knocking (wagging) against the kennel – a positive sign. But, not wanting to take chances, Colin Piper opened the kennel door slightly and placed the snare around the dog’s neck. Tiger was initially aggressive towards the men but became docile once I spoke to him and offered him food. The owner’s father said some food had been given to the dog through an opening in the kennel but it had not been cleaned in a week (because they were terrified of the dog) and it was a filthy mess. Pictures were taken. The inspectors put the dog into a portable kennel and we drove him to the GSPCA.
I was later told by a family member that Tiger was greatly loved, and that he was used to good treatment. She said that they just wanted Tiger to have a loving home. We have been hoping to see Tiger’s picture in Dr Surjubally’s Sunday column but that has not yet happened. It would be nice for him to leave the GSPCA before Christmas. Anyone who is interested in offering Tiger a loving and safe home, Contact the GSPCA at tel: 226-4237.
Editor, I would like to thank you and your newspaper for all your efforts over this past year in creating awareness among your readers for the needs of our voiceless friends.
Yours faithfully,
Syeada Manbodh
