Western Bureau: The long-standing problem of stray animals in Montego Bay may soon become a thing of the past, acting secretary manager for the St James parish council, Christopher Powell has said.

Speaking at the last monthly meeting of the parish council, Powell outlined a number of measures that would be implemented to deal with the problem.

These measures include:

* the parish council assuming control of the pound at Montpellier;

* weekly auctions to have a faster turnover in the sale of the animals collected;

* and employing contractors to catch and impound the animals.

“We are now trying to fine-tune how we are going to feed them (the impounded animals), that is the hitch,” Powell told the council meeting.

Councillor Michael Troupe, who has responsibility for the Granville division, was however sceptical of the acting secretary’s assertion that the problem of stray animals would be dealt with, arguing that similar sentiments had been echoed over the past three years.

“The cows have been an attraction for Montego Bay so I would like to know if the cows are going to be an attraction for the Queen or if we are going to move them,” The councillor added sarcastically.

But Powell would not entertain Troupe’s scepticism or his sarcastic remark, insisting that he represented a new and different administration that would get things done.

“There was no intention for anybody to remove the cows for Her Majesty but for the citizens of Montego Bay. As to the councillor saying (that has been the word) for the past three years, it is a new and different administration (that will see plans through to fruition).”

Meanwhile councillor Erica DaSilva suggested that in addition to the measures outlined by Powell, the council should consider impounding animals at pounds outside the parish whenever there is no room at the pounds in St James.

She also suggested that stun guns be used on stray animals to allow their easier capture.