WESTERN BUREAU — Chairman of the St James Parish Council, Hugh Solomon, has pointed to the amendment of the ‘Keeping of Animals Act’ as a solution to the long-standing problem of stray animals in St James.

The parish has long been plagued by strays and despite several attempts to have the animals removed from the streets, the numbers continue to increase.

Under the proposed amendment to the Act, which is expected to become law soon, the council will have the right to slaughter and dispose of the animals three days after they are impounded.

“Once the amendment is made and the council gets that ‘right’, the people will protect their animals and they will not allow them to roam the streets,” Solomon argued at Thursday’s monthly meeting.

He said the council is in support of the amendment and is looking forward to its implementation.

“We are confident that this amendment will deter the animal owners from allowing the animals to roam the streets,” the Montego Bay mayor added.

According to the council’s secretary/manager, Christopher Powell, the amendment to the ‘Keeping of Animals Act’ could be passed later this month.

He added that shortly after its passing, the Council will launch a major public education campaign aimed at sensitizing the public about the ‘Act’.