(Harbour Island, Eleuthera Bahamas) – Representatives of the Animal Control Unit in the Department of Agriculture arrived in Harbour Island on Monday, June 4th in response to a serious rash of dog attacks on the island which spanned a period of almost three months, seeing at least half a dozen cases of dogs attacking tourists reported, according to local police.

Authorities believe that they have finally resolved the threat that had loomed over the small, hotspot destination in the recent identification and capture of the suspected pack of four dogs, believed to have been responsible for the majority of the attacks.

Two persons, Drameco Mather and Christine Higgs, the known owners of the dog pack, pled guilty before magistrate Turnquest on Monday, June 4, and were convicted for “Permitting a ferocious dog to be at large”. They were each sentenced on Tuesday, June 5th to 20 days or a $100 fine, as well as $4,500 in compensation to the latest victim, and complainant in Monday’s case, Ms. Julie Gear.

On Tuesday, Ms. Gear was said to still be in hospital in New Providence, after her attack which occurred during the Labour Day holiday, on Friday, June 1st, when she was reportedly viciously attacked, leaving her with lacerations and puncture wounds on both legs.

The four dogs were said to have been put to sleep, on the evening of Friday, June 1, 2012.

Another defendant was also in court before magistrate Turnquest on Monday, June 4th, Mr. Jacques Durand Ruel, a second homeowner on Harbour Island.  According to reports, on May 25th, while he was walking his dog on the beach, a female visitor, Ashley Leo was attacked by his dog.

This second dog attack matter was reportedly adjourned until October 5th, to give the defendant an opportunity to have an interpreter present, to ensure his full understanding of the charges and what he would be pleading to.

With the severity of recent incidents, and the June 4th cases being the first matters of this kind in recent times to appear before the courts, the need to educate animal owners on their responsibilities and consequences is being addressed with some urgency by authorities.


Caption: (L-R) Marchello Cargill, Animal Warden – Animal Control Unit (ACU); Dr. Godfrey Springer, Acting Senior Veterinary Officer in the ACU of the Department of Agriculture; Sgt. 1973 Kelsey Farquharson, Harbour Island Station Officer; and Perry Thompson, Asst. Supervisor of the ACU.

Dr. Godfrey Springer, Acting Senior Veterinary Officer in the Animal Control Unit (ACU) of the Department of Agriculture; Marchello Cargill, Animal Warden (ACU); and Perry Thompson, Asst. Supervisor of the ACU were on Harbour Island for three days, arriving on island on Monday, June 4th.

While on island they took part in a town meeting held at 6:30pm at the Catholic Hall, in response to the recent spate of attacks, to educate the public on the responsibilities of animal ownership, to bring awareness to dogs roaming the beaches on island and the challenges they posed to beachgoers, as well as educating residents the licensing of their animals annually and the consequences of having unlicensed animals.  According to Dr. Springer, their goal was to ensure that there would not be a proliferation of vicious dogs on the island, and to encourage living harmoniously with the animals around us in a controlled environment.  Spay and neuter options for owners were also discussed.

The meeting was held in cooperation with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Ministry of Tourism, Local Government authorities, the local Administrator and the Animal Control Unit of the Department of Agriculture.

In further conversation with Dr. Springer of the ACU, he revealed that they are also currently looking into a proposal to set up a local branch of the ACU in the central Eleuthera area of Hatchet Bay, to be able to more efficiently service the island of Eleuthera.

For further information, the public can reach the ACU in New Providence at 325-1173, Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.