THE JAMAICA VETERINARY Medical Association is warning that Jamaicans may be at risk of contracting rabies and other diseases because of the continued illegal importation of dogs to Jamaica.
Dr. Paul Cadogan, public relations officer of the association, said that while they have no proof, the association has heard that the dogs are being smuggled from Cuba and Central America in boats. He also added that there are reports that persons have smuggled puppies through the airport by sedating them and placing them in their jacket pockets.
In March the Association issued a release stating that it had noticed an increase in the Pit Bull Terrier breed which is from the United States. This dog is listed as a dangerous dog in the United Kingdom and according to the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture which oversees the importation of dogs, they do not allow the importation of dangerous dogs including that Terrier to Jamaica.
However Dr. Cadogan said these dogs are presently in the island. "We don't necessarily see the dogs (that have been imported) but we've seen their puppies and descendants of these dogs at our clinics."
He said that there have also been local advertisements for the sale of dogs bred in Central America and Cuba which is a violation of the Animal Importation Act, which lists only three countries from which dogs can be imported. Dr. Cadogan said he is concerned because these countries have cases of rabies. He said the association is worried that the continued illegal importation could result in dogs with rabies, lyme disease, echinococcus tapeworms and other infectious or contagious diseases are coming to Jamaica and passing the diseases to humans.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
When THE STAR contacted Dr. Gillian Elllis, a veterinary
officer at the Veterinary Services Division she said however that they could
not confirm that dogs were being illegally imported. She explained that regulations
governing the importation of animals stipulated that dogs should only be imported
from Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Eire.
She explained that persons wishing to import dogs to Jamaica
must first apply for an import licence. The licence usually specifies the dog's
place of birth and other information about its history.
Once that licence has been approved the importer must notify
the division three weeks before the date the animal is expected to arrive. This
must be followed up with a second confirmation two days before the dog is to
arrive. When the dog has arrived in the island, it is quarantined for two weeks
before being released to the owner.
For those persons who do not comply with the regulations there
is a fine or sentence. According to the Animal Act of 1943, anyone who violates
the act can be fined $100 or sentenced to up to six months
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