ACROSS Jamaica, it has become disturbingly common to see the lifeless bodies of dogs and cats along our roadways and in public spaces. Some are the unfortunate victims of vehicle collisions, others are discarded carelessly by individuals. Whatever the cause, the presence of dead animals in our communities is more than an eyesore, it is a looming public health and environmental threat.

Decomposing animal remains are not just unpleasant, they are biohazards, and carcasses can host dangerous bacteria and viruses, especially if the animal died of disease. A biological hazard, or biohazard, is a biological substance that poses a threat (or is a hazard) to the health of living organisms, primarily humans in the case of dead animals. As the body breaks down, harmful pathogens can be released into the air, soil, and water. Two of these common culprits are escherichia coli and clostridium perfringens, that survive for extended periods in the environment and may cause serious illness in humans and animals alike. Children, sanitation workers, and even other animals who encounter these remains are especially vulnerable. Flies and scavenging animals feeding on the carcasses can also help spread disease throughout the community.

Why safe disposal matters

Dead animals must be handled with the same care and urgency as other hazardous waste. Before death, an animal suffering from infection may already have pathogens circulating in its bloodstream. After death, these microorganisms can multiply and spread quickly if the carcass is not properly handled. Improper disposal also contributes to environmental degradation especially when remains are dumped in gullies, vacant lots, or rivers. These practices threaten water sources, affect air quality, and lower the overall quality of life in our communities.

What must be done

Addressing this issue requires more than personal responsibility but also demands national attention, government intervention, and coordinated community action. The following measures should also be considered to protect our animals, people and our environment:

•Public education campaigns: Educating the community on the importance of road safety for animals through campaigns, social media, and local meetings can foster more mindful driving habits

•Foster collaboration between the ministries of health, agriculture, and local government to ensure a unified approach in educating citizens about the risks of improper animal disposal and promoting safe, responsible practices. Municipalities should create designated disposal sites and official removal services for dead animals especially in high-density areas where the risk of contamination is greater.

•Ensure that only trained personnel with protective gear (gloves, masks, goggles) handle disposal. These individuals should also receive regular medical checks and appropriate vaccinations.

•Strengthen reporting systems by setting up hotlines for residents to report sightings of dead animals so authorities.

•Allocate dedicated funds for carcass removal and disposal as part of the national public health budget.

•Strengthen regulator enforcement to ensure that strict penalties are instituted for individuals who indiscriminately dispose of animal carcasses

Who is responsible?

Whether it’s burial, burning, or incineration, disposal methods must be evaluated to minimise harm to the environment. Burial sites should be carefully chosen to prevent groundwater contamination, and open-air burning should be avoided in residential areas. Pet owners must ensure their animals are buried or handled appropriately when they die. Local authorities should manage stray or wild animals, and the public must know who to contact when a carcass is found. Unfortunately, many Jamaicans don’t know what to do or who to call when they see a dead animal on the roadside. A clearly communicated national policy would eliminate confusion and promote faster response.

Let’s not wait for a crisis

Leaving dead animals in public spaces sends the wrong message that we are indifferent to animal welfare, sanitation, health, and dignity. The sight of rotting carcasses tarnishes the image of our communities and puts everyone at risk. The time is now, when we as a nation must confront this issue head-on not just with words, but with action. By improving awareness, investing in proper infrastructure, and developing responsible public policies, Jamaica can address this silent but serious threat. The dead should not endanger the living. Let us act now before this hidden danger becomes an even more serious public health emergency.

Erica Sophia Lawrence is a lecturer, public health nursing at the University of Technology.

Erica Lawrence