Councillor wants private animal pound in Westmoreland

WESTERN BUREAU:

Ian Myles, councillor for the Little London division in the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC), has called for the impounding of stray animals to be privatised, as this will provide a humane solution to the issue, and enhance public safety and sanitation in the parish.

He said there is an urgent need to address the growing population of stray animals, particularly cows that roam the Savanna-la-Mar to Negril thoroughfare, causing accidents that often result in fatalities.

In outlining his position at Thursday’s general monthly meeting of the WMC, Myles argued that privatising this service would improve efficiency and better address the issue of stray animals on the streets.

Myles stressed that an immediate solution is needed even as there are ongoing discussions about a potential partnership between the WMC and the St James Municipal Corporation.

“We did not draft a bill concerning the pound, but there were discussions and possibly partnering with neighbouring municipalities. If that is not the case, let us look at privatisation. I am sure that anybody operating this will do so to make a significant profit,” said Myles.

He noted that collisions involving stray animals are costing residents significant sums in medical expenses and vehicle repairs, and urged the corporation to engage in a thorough discussion on the matter ahead of the Christmas holiday – usually a time of increased road usage.

But Arthel Colley, councillor for the Negril division, expressed doubts as to whether private sector investors would want to take up the offer of operating a private pound, given the potential safety concerns.

“It’s a good suggestion, but I can assure you that in this lawless country, nobody is going to take on that responsibility because of fear. That’s the challenge,” said Colley. “A private man is not going to take up the pound just like that because he will be worried that a man will come and kill him for taking away his cow and or his goat.”

Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy, who is also chairman of the WMC, shared that previous efforts were made to privatise the operation of an animal pound, but it did not materialise.

“I won’t say that no one will take it up, but it is highly unlikely that anyone will. We have tried it before,” said Delancy.

He said that he was prepared nevertheless to re-visit the issue in early 2025. “I am committed to revisiting all possibilities come early next year. I am at the same time hoping and praying that the owners of these animals will try and keep them in enclosed areas and off the road network.”