Dangerous dogs legislation crucial – GSPCA

The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) says legislation on dangerous dogs is even more crucial now in the face of a recent fatal mauling.

According to the GSPCA’s press release on August 7, the recent killing of Joan Carter by pitbulls brings into focus the issue of the ownership of dangerous dogs. Calling for a more purposeful approach to the matter, the GSPCA pointed out that in Trinidad and Tobago an amendment to the Dog Control Act in 2014 addresses specifically the responsibilities of ownership of a dangerous dog breed. In relation to the pitbull, the dog has to be registered and micro-chipped and the owner has to have secured surroundings.

The GSPCA believes that this issue can no longer be ignored especially with the practice of dog fighting. The organization said that while the proposed measures may not prevent recurrences, it believes that properly-enforced legislation would be a big step in addressing the issue of dangerous dogs. It is an issue that can no longer be ignored, the GSPCA said.