4 minute read
THE FRIGATE BIRD OF THE CARIBBEAN
Out & About with RSPCA Inspector Wayne Norville Stretch feet without you.
PUTS YOUR DOG’S LIFE IN PERIL!
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These were the words of a woman after she let her dog out for a ‘stretchfoot.’
When I arrived at the address she gave me, the dog was flat out barely breathing, with cuts and bruises from the kicking and paddling. Its claws were bleeding, it had bitten its tongue and that too was bleeding - it was poison alright. I quickly snatched the dog up, put it in the van and headed for the RSPCA Clinic.
This was one of the many calls I receive from dog owners who rather than put a leash on their dogs and take them for a walk, instead let them out of their yards to go and exercise on their own without any supervision.
Would you let your two-year-old child run off on its own without any supervision? No, you would not, so why allow your dog to do it?
A dog away from its owner is in the path of unknown danger. Your dog is not accustomed to being on the street, it’s not street wise so it can easily be struck by a car. There’s also the hidden danger of open wells, or slug bait put down by an avid gardener who saw one or two slugs in their garden. Your dog not knowing what it is, then goes and ingest the bait and unless treated, quickly can die.
Maybe your dog picks up the scent of a bitch in heat. He then ends up in a pack of other males with only one thing on their minds – mating! Every one of those dogs with their hormones raging wants to be the one to mate with that bitch. Your dog too will immediately forget everything about you and home. His hormones are raging so he gets into the melee, not knowing how to fight. He‘s beaten badly and now has lacerations about his body, ears torn, punctures on his feet, but he is still not going home. This goes on for days and he is not eating and very seldom drinking clean water. He’s getting weaker and weaker, until one day one of your neighbour calls you and asked you if this is the dog you were looking for two weeks ago. Stretched out dead, a mere skeleton of what your dog used to look like.
HEED MY WORDS!
The next time you want your dog to “get a stretch foot” put a leash on it and take it for a walk. This way both you and your dog can have a healthy, safe, bonding walk together.
IMPORTANT:
Your dog should be neutered and
licensed. It is illegal in Barbados for dogs to be wandering without their owner or handlers. Things to be aware of: • Road fatality • Dog fights • Being poisoned • Your dog biting someone • Your dog becoming lost or stolen
I MY PETS
By Ryan Inniss, founder of the Marizayra’s Sanctuary, St. Phillip I tend not to use the term “pet” because they’re more like my teammates! There’s no anger, disappointment or judgement when I’m in their company. That’s why I love them.
By Carolinna Lima
I was always an animal advocate. Since my childhood, I would bring home dogs and cats that I found roaming on the streets, and I would love and care for them with the help of my parents. Many of these rescue dogs are so close to being broken, and I can’t explain the joy I feel when they heal, play, trust and wag their tail after probably a very long time. It’s incredible how they can still trust us and become the best life companion. And since I can’t have them all, I foster! I like to think that if we all do a bit of good, we can make a big difference.
USEFUL NUMBERS
VETS
Animal Care Clinic
423-1098
Massiah Street, St John
Boyce, Dr. Shelly A.
230-4222
Mullins, St. Peter Central Veterinary Clinic 436-3530 Lower Estate Complex, St George Clarke, Dr. Katherine 262-9838 Mt Standfast, St James Content Animal Clinic 438 7099 Content Plantation, St. Thomas Eastern Veterinary Clinic 423-0493 Sunbury, St Phillip Griffith, Dr. Derek L. V. 426-4884 Ashgrove Strathclyde Cres Trinity Animal Clinic 420-7894 Woodbourne, St Phillip Maitland, Dr. Rosina 428-2897 Carter’s Gap, Christ Church Northern Veterinary Clinic 233-8681 Speightown, St Peter Total Loving Care 427-3135 Brittons Hill Main Rd, St Michael Tull, Dr. Nicole 231-2546 Ealing Grove, Christ Church The Veterinary Clinic 437-0478 Graeme Hall Pk, Christ Church
HORSE DENTIST
Emily Kinch
233-4012
ANIMAL SHELTERS
Barbados Sea Turtle Project 230-0142 HORSE Charity 422-0400 Ocean Acres Animal Sanctuary 262 4505 RSPCA 426-3077 RSPCA Emergency 426-3962 The Ark 435-4108
BOARDING KENNELS
Paws R Us RSPCA Woodbourne
SPAY/NEUTERING OF DOGS
K9 Friends Barbados
248 1552
PET TRANSPORTATION
Pet Transportation
243-0420
