December 18, 2014

Dear Sir,

Animal protection services and the SPCA are just not doing enough to protect “those who cannot speak for themselves.” Certain individuals who say they are empathetic towards the plight of these animals but then choose to turn their heads are not doing enough. Politicians are not doing enough when there is no legislation regarding tethering a dog 24/7 or keeping a dog in a shed 24/7. As the great leader Mohatma Ghandi stated, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Bermuda is not doing enough to help these “forgotten” creatures.

Every day on our walk to work my colleagues and I pass a dog that is chained 24/7 with no shelter. Upon further investigation, we have discovered there is another dog at the same location that is locked in a small shed 24/ 7. This dog has to live in darkness in his own faeces and urine.

My colleagues and I contacted two animal wardens in the Department of Environmental Protection, who informed us there have been several complaints from people who are upset about these conditions and are concerned with the well-being of the tethered dog. We were informed by the animal warden “they” are unable to do anything since there is no legislation in Bermuda against tethering a dog for 24/7. In response to my request, an animal warden visited the owner. We made the offer, via the warden, to take the dog and find him a good home. The warden informed me the owner wanted to keep the dog. He mentioned he requested the owner provide a dog shelter. After two weeks I phoned to inform this warden that no animal shelter had been provided. I was then informed by this same animal warden that he merely “suggested” the dog’s owner provide a shelter, as he was not obligated to do so (since the dog was “sheltering” under the nearby shed, which the warden said was adequate). This shelter is a hole under the shed that the dog dug himself. The warden went on to say that there are other dogs on our island in worse conditions. REALLY? Is this an individual we want advocating for the rights of the island’s animals?

We were informed by another animal warden that “they” would investigate the situation involving the small dog confined in a “shelter” 24/7 on the same premises as the tethered dog. Two weeks have passed, and no action has been taken. Is being confined to a small area with only a small window providing light humane? Is it humane to keep an animal in the same area where it will void itself?

We were informed the reason the owners have the dogs is to protect the garden they maintain. My question is since one dog is locked in a shed how can it chase anyone who attempts to enter the garden? Their reason for having the dogs was so they would bark if anyone entered this garden. However, the owners of these dogs do not live near the premises and are only there a few hours in the day and not every day.

We contacted the SPCA several times. On one occasion we were told there was nothing they could do as they were short staffed. On another occasion they indicated they would investigate the situation. We have never heard back from them.

These two dogs deserve a better life, and we can provide good homes. Why is this not possible? Why can’t those in the position to do something not do what they are paid to do? We can line the streets and happily greet the arrival of the America’s Cup while animals, just a breath away, live lives of “quiet desperation.” The irony of it all is so distressing.

Yes, as Christmas approaches we celebrate the blessings of our lives here in Bermuda. However, let’s not forget those animals that need us so desperately this Christmas and all Christmases to come. Our obligation to them is another facet of our being the “great nation” we are and must continue to be.

CHARLENE WHITE,

LILDA SPENCER, JANET BURKE