Dear Editor,
We refer to a letter authored by Ms Syeada Manbodh and published in Sunday Stabroek, of September 5, captioned ‘Who is responsible for controlling animal cruelty?’
The incident referred to in this letter is horrific and any human being who would perpetrate such cruelty against a helpless animal, once found guilty by a court of law, deserves due penalty.
It is unfortunate that Ms Manbodh did not bring this matter to my attention when we last spoke or call me when she was informed of the incident as we may have been able to start the investigation process sooner.
As a former member of the Executive and a member of the GSPCA Ms Manbodh is aware that the GSPCA’s mandate is the prevention of cruelty to animals in Guyana. Under our existing laws, the Guyana Police Force is also responsible for dealing with such cases. In instances where a complaint is made, the GSPCA will conduct an investigation and attempt to engage the Guyana Police Force if we find the particular offence punishable under existing laws. Therefore, the claim made by a concerned member of the public, “Anna,” that a GSPCA staff member told her this incident was one for the police and not the GSPCA will be thoroughly investigated by the GSPCA’s Executive Committee.
We would appreciate it if Ms Manbodh would forward the contact information of the person who witnessed this horrible incident to the GSPCA so that we may conduct the necessary investigations. With the assistance of the Guyana Police Force, “Anna’s” mom and the several persons in the area who are alleged witnesses, we may be able to take the matter to court and have justice prevail.
We sincerely hope that “Anna’s” mom and the many persons who saw what transpired would be willing to give a statement and come forward in court, as most times, the prosecution of animal cruelty crimes is not possible because eye-witnesses are unwilling to go to court to have these cases tried and perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
To allow such a horrible act of cruelty to go unpunished would be sad. However, let us reiterate, the GSPCA and the Guyana Police Force can only effect justice for acts of animal cruelty if caring members of the public who witness such acts are willing to go the distance. We sincerely hope ‘Anna’s” mom and anyone else who witnessed this crime do the right thing.
Yours faithfully,
Shiromanie Isaacs
Honorary Secretary
