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San Pedro Town Authorities seek to implement Dog Act in August

Saga Humane Society, San Pedro Police Department and The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) held a meeting on Tuesday June 25th to discuss issues relating to the Dog Act. The meeting came about because of the continuous problems relating to stray dogs on the island and months of discussion between the different entities.

Following months of complaints from residents and tourists about the issues relating to the increase of stray dogs on Ambergris Caye, a plan had to be discussed. According to Coleen Creeden, President of the Board of Directors at Saga Humane Society, the problem of stray dogs includes health, environmental and safety concerns. In many instances, the stray animals are attacking other dogs (pets) and even humans. Dog bites can lead to rabies and physical injuries. In addition, many unfed stray dogs have to resort to scavenging for food from garbage and in the process create a mess. Irresponsible dog owners also add to the problem; walking their pets on public areas such as beach, parks and streets and allowing them to 'poop' without scooping. Some walk their pets unleashed, unable to control them when they become aggressive. To address these issues, Saga, the police and SPTC are moving forward in addressing these mounting issues.

One of the solutions that the three entities hope to execute in addressing the issue as it relates to stray dogs is through the implementation of the Belize Dog Act. As such the three entities have embraced a document drafted from the Dog Act called the San Pedro Town Dog Control Orders. These orders make reference to the licensing of dogs and associated fees, leashing law enforcements and fines, lost/seized Stray-Dogsanimals and fines, nuisance enforcement and different fines, vicious and savage dogs, dog-bite complaint procedures for residents, rabies control and even animal cruelty investigation. By addressing these areas in the SPT Dog Control Orders, authorities on the island hope to address the many concerns expressed by the residents of the island.

Officer Commanding San Pedro Police Sub-Formation Superintendent of Police Luis Castellanos explained that a quick review of the documents shows that it is consistent and within the context of the Belize Dog Act. Mayor of San Pedro Daniel Guerrero explained that while he fully embraces the concept, he will have an attorney review the documents to ensure that it is in compliance with the law before it can be implemented. Saga on the other hand, will be making certain adjustments and upgrades to their facility to ensure that when the Dog Control Order kicks in, their facility - which will act as a holding area for dogs- is up to par with the required standards. The enforcement and prosecution of the Dog Control Act will be done jointly between trained dog catchers and the police department.

The San Pedro Town Dog Control Act took months after planning and reviews after a controversial dog eradication last year. It is the hope of the San Pedro Town Council to officially have the Dog Control Orders implemented at the beginning of August 2013.

Click here to read the rest of the article and see more photos in the San Pedro Sun

Ambergris Today article HERE:

I hope this extends to covering Nuisance continual barking from dogs in yards as well. Becoming a real issue since everyone decided to get a Dog for security yet don't train or walk it.

Phil, I may be wrong, but I don't think the Dog Act covers noise nuisance. That is a separate issue to be dealt with directly with the Town Board and falls within all noise nuisance complaints.

Belize Law, Dog Act Chapter 153 already covers barking dogs. It will be addressed within the frame work of the Dog Control Orders.

Power of magistrate to fine or order destruction of dogs.
-Whenever it appears to a magistrate on complaint being made to him under the Summary Jurisdiction Acts, that a dog is vicious or savage, whether to animals or human beings, or likely to spread any disease or, by reason of its habit of persistent barking or for any other reason, is a nuisance, the magistrate may order the owner of the dog to keep it under proper control or in such a manner that it shall not be a nuisance, or may order the owner to destroy the dog.

For more reading, visit www.sagahumanesociety.org
Belize Law, Dog Act Chapter 153

Saga Humane Society looks forward to working with The San Pedro Town Council and The San Pedro Police Department towards our common goal of a safe and clean San Pedro through responsible dog ownership.

Coleen Creeden
Saga Humane Society
wwww.sagahumanesociety.org

A huge step in the right direction...

Do you find it hard to believe the town board, who does nothing about prostitutes and drug peddlers on main street in front of the town board offices, will be going after barking dogs for violating noise ordinances?
A designated dog catcher is a great idea and I'm happy they have thought of this after a decade of township government.
The prostitutes and drug peddlers of Pescador Drive had better get a leash on their dogs and quiet them quickly before the s%#@ hits the fan.

The SPTC has NO enforcement ability in Belize Law with regards to prostitutes and drugs. Only the Police can do something about the prostitutes and cocaine peddlers. Talk to the Police about enforcement of those laws if it's a concern to you. They are willing to listen to solutions brought to them by interested residents or NGO's.

Saga HS has spoken with The SPTC and the Police about enforcement existing law concerning dogs. The SPTC by law can implement portions of Belize Law, Dog Act 153. This is what is occurring, all within their duties under Belize Law.

Don't waste your "breath" Coleen. Elbert knows all that but prefers to stay up north and hurl criticisms and insults toward anything San Pedro-ish.
Can't remember him ever contributing anything positive....

I also think this is a great step in the right direction.

I'm also really pleased Saga are involved although I imagine they might be a bit reticent about it at the same time!!! I hope they receive some local/GOB funding to cover costs.

Thanks so much for clarifying that Coleen. Great steps towards making San Pedro a better place for dogs and people!