IFAW Launches Project to Address Stray Dog Problem in Dominica

A morning ceremony in the Roseau Botanical Gardens celebrated the project. Local veterinarians, police officers and volunteers who passed a training course were awarded certificates. Several key government officials were in attendance including: Dominica's Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit; Councillor Dorothy Bellot of the RCC; Police Inspector David Andrews; and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Hon. Dr. John Colin McIntyre. Officials joined with Mr. Kelvin Alie and other members of IFAW to pledge support to the project which began November 5th and which has already sterilized more than 70 stray dogs. The team expects to sterilize 300 animals by November 14th. 

Kelvin Alie of IFAW said, "We have had a terrific start to this project and received a tremendous amount of support from the community, who have been assisting us in collecting many dogs. Sterilizing stray dogs is only part of the solution. It will also take a consistent and long-term commitment from the Roseau City Council including strengthening animal welfare laws, improving dog licensing and registration and  encouraging residents to take greater responsibility for their dogs."

IFAW will also be sterilizing animals at the Veterinary Unit building in the Botanical Gardens from November 9-14. Residents are encouraged to contact the IFAW office in Roseau, at 440-3952, to schedule an appointment. Volunteers are also needed to help care for dogs temporarily and to adopt dogs.