FOLLOWING the killing of a three-year-old boy by stray dogs last week, the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association (JVMA) is urging the Government to take greater action against stray dogs and cats.

In a statement today, vets called on both the Government and the private sector to support the expansion of its spray-neuter programme.

"Perhaps the most important means of controlling the population of dogs and cats is controlling their reproduction. In six years, one breeding female dog and the generations that follow can potentially multiply to 67,000. In seven years one breeding female cat can potentially become 420,000! Spaying and neutering these animals is the one sure way of stopping this," said JVMA Secretary Dr Paul Cadogan.

However, the vets said that more data is needed to assess what they regard as a long-term problem. A population census would aid in the planning of animal control activities and provide data for studies on the epidemiology of diseases that threaten both animals and humans.

The JVMA wants the Government to move forward with the recommended legislative changes including updating the Veterinary Act and Regulations, the Animal Diseases & Importation Act and Regulations.

"This year 2011 is World Veterinary Year. Let us not wait for more tragic incidents like this most recent one for us to come together and do something," added Dr Cadogan.

Related story:

Stray dog invasion!

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