MoBay mayor hell-bent on reining in stray animals

WESTERN BUREAU

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says legislative hurdles are currently impeding the ability of the municipal corporations in western Jamaica to establish and operate a centralised pound for stray animals.

However, Vernon said his administration at the St James Municipal Corporation (StJMC) plans to issue permits to suitable private sector operators following the Christmas and New Year holidays to address the problem in St James.

According to Vernon, the StJMC and the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation have been exploring the idea of establishing a regional pound following the last local government elections as it is now clear, based on the growing number of road accidents, including fatal ones, that have been caused by stray animals, that the situation needs to be addressed urgently.

“Legislative restrictions may cause such a move to be challenging. As such, we will move forward by issuing licences to registered companies that meet the requisite competencies for pound operation,” explained Vernon.

Vernon said that, over the years, the various municipal corporations in the region have attempted to maintain animal pounds but their efforts have proven futile for various reasons, including outdated legislation.

“Notwithstanding the nuances that hinder preventative actions, one thing is certain, we need to protect our roadways and community from the dangers of stray animals,” said Vernon. “Therefore, the St James Municipal Corporation will advertise the licence application in the first quarter of 2025 to facilitate potential pound operators.

“As for the region, it would serve us well to establish an identical system to ensure pound operators can expand across municipalities for a sustainable operation.”

Vernon, the sitting councillor for the Montego Bay South division and chairman of the StJMC, said the challenges being posed by the stray animals is now a major inconvenience to citizens of the parish.

“The matter of stray animals is beyond ridiculous and, as recently as this week, I saw footage of a community invaded by cows. This is highly inconvenient for proprietors and utterly dangerous along roadways,” said Vernon.

Westmoreland, especially the roadway between Savanna-la-mar and Negril, has become notorious for stray animals over recent years. Several motorcyclists have been killed in accidents with stray animals, especially at night when the situation is compounded by poor street lighting.

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