Owners of dogs in the Territory are reminded to implement good safety habits through registration of their pets, leashing, tying and fencing-in practices.

Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Bevin Braithwaite said that the Department of Agriculture is responsible for dogs and livestock and that it is important that owners know where their dogs are at all times.

Mr. Braithwaite stated, “It is important to keep your pets safe at all times to prevent them from getting hurt or hurting someone or someone’s property. Too often we have to hold dog owners responsible for killing and or maiming livestock and sometimes creating disruption in a community or neighbourhood.”

Head of the Veterinary Division of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Michael Montrose highlighted the importance of proper dog management practices as it relates to the agricultural industry.

 “Not only do we register and license dogs, we administer aid to animals who have endured dog attacks, and often we see how the two coincide,” Dr. Montrose said.

He added, “We really want to appeal to persons to keep their dogs under control. Simple, consistent, practices such as leashing and fencing-in pet dogs can help to reserve Government resources and save the lives of humans and of many animals.”

The Department of Agriculture strives to provide and manage cost effective resources and services to support the agricultural producers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders involved in the developmental process of the agricultural sector.