Dogs collected in Antigua and Barbuda stray animal exercise will not be killed, minister says

Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith has assured residents that dogs collected during the ongoing stray animal removal exercise in Antigua and Barbuda will be sheltered and offered opportunities for rehoming if they remain unclaimed.

Smith rejected suggestions that the operation would result in the animals being put down.

“No, no, no, not at all. We would never do that,” he said during an interview.

He said the dogs are being taken to the Humane Society, where kennels are available, and efforts would be made to find them homes.

Veterinarian Dr. Chere Kellman, who also participated in the interview, said she had helped collect dogs alongside a dog control officer.

“Once we collect the dog, we take it directly to the Humane Society,” Kellman said.

She said the animals receive food and water daily, with veterinary assistance available through the organization.

The Veterinary Authority, in a separate public notice, said the exercise is intended to support public safety, animal welfare and responsible stray animal management.

“It is not a mass euthanasia exercise,” the authority said.

The notice outlines provisions for humane transportation, veterinary assessments and opportunities for owners to identify and reclaim their pets.

Photographs of impounded dogs are to be shared publicly for two working days. Adoption or rehoming arrangements will be pursued for animals that remain unclaimed.

Owners have been urged to keep their dogs secured, supervised and identifiable, and to follow official updates about the exercise.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ‘We Would Never Do That’: Smith Says Stray Dogs Will Be Sheltered, Not Put Down.