Dear Editor,
Because of one person’s deep concern for action against the abuser over the cries of two dogs from the 20 minutes of non-stop beatings by their owner and this person’s immediate action to contact two members of the GSPCA and in turn the members’ immediate response to go in search of this report with the aim of bringing quick relief to the troubled animals, the intervention prevented what could have resulted in the death of the two dogs.
At 8:30 pm on Tuesday, October 7 the report was made and the quick response before 9 pm brought the two GSPCA members into direct contact with several two-man groups of individuals. We stated that our intention as GSPCA members was to bring relief to the animals by consulting with the owner on what might be the problem and what help could be provided.
Each group gave their own version of what might have transpired and what brought about the abuse; some groups preferred not to speak; some spoke half truths; some denied any knowledge of the incident and the last group brought us closer to the truth and encouraged us to return the next day Wednesday, October 8 a.m. to meet with the owner. This meeting did take place and interestingly the owner shared his story but said he was unwilling to hand over the animals to the Society since the dog belonged not to him but to his mother. Some ready support of longer leashes, food and water bowls and pallets were made available the next day to relieve the animals of the discomfort of being tied on short leashes, no water and in an environment of dried faeces; the dogs looked sad and unhealthy and in need of proper care. The owner did accept the items. He was however warned that should he not comply with a change of attitude towards the animals, he could be prosecuted.
He was asked to give us the opportunity to meet with his mother and this
meeting took place the next day, Thursday, October 9 when the mother conceded that she was saddened by the plight of the animals and agreed to hand them over to the Society. The next day Friday, October 10, the dogs were taken to the GSPCA for assessment and treatment. A follow up call to the GSPCA assured us the dogs were doing well and still under observation.
This letter is an appeal to members of the public with animals in their household to seek help and advice from the GSPCA and/or private Veterinary doctors, how to better care for their animals and especially animals in difficult circumstances before it escalates and leads to abuse or they turn a blind eye to the pleas of the animals. This concern also includes stray animals. We as human beings have always to remember that we have a voice to speak out for ourselves or other human voices to speak on our behalf but the animals cannot speak for themselves and those who care for animals are the voices that represent them in society. Please therefore do not be afraid to report the abuse of any animal. Let us all come to their rescue in their hour of great need.
Gratitude is extended to Ms. Vena Morgan, the first person who took action by making the call, and to Ms. Syeada Manbodh, trained to rescue animals, who followed through on this assignment until the animals were removed from their distress. We wish also to thank both the owners of the dogs for cooperating with us and agreeing to the intervention process.
Another incident coming to light was on Monday, October 13. A vagrant was seen in the streets of Queenstown dragging a puppy by a rice bag (for a leash) tied around its neck and again Ms. Manbodh came to the rescue of this animal. The picture of this puppy after the rescue shows its tongue hanging out almost bloody red as if the blood gushed up from the trauma of the experience. The paws also are bloody red. The man had to be enticed for a fee before reluctantly handing over the dog. Immediately thereafter the puppy was placed in the care of the GSPCA. The man also had in his possession, a younger puppy that seemed half dead in the bag but vehemently refused to hand over the second puppy. When asked how far he dragged them from, he said “the cemetery”.
A noted observation in society is that animals have become victims of human stress and we need to come to their rescue always! A statement coming out of the Wortmanville incident is that “people are stressed with life” and in this case the outlet was to vent it on the animals.
Time was taken to craft this story so that it can serve as education and a reminder to the general public on how to respond to animals in distress, by calling the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) located on Robb Street and Orange Walk, Bourda; telephone no. 226-4237. Also reports can be made to known members of the Society and/or any animal lover who would know how to contact the persons who would take action when one or the other is unable to respond. It must be noted that a report was made to the IMPACT Police Patrol but we are unaware that action was taken by them.
This is a timely opportunity for the GSPCA to introduce a hotline number to facilitate emergencies.
Yours faithfully,
Maria Rodrigues
