To: Dr. the Hon. Shantal M Munro - Knigh, M.P., Ph.D. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security. Ministry of Agriculture, Graeme Hall, Christ Church, Barbados
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write as a concerned Barbadian and on behalf of Gracious Stone Haven (GSH), a leading animal advocacy group, to urge the Parliament of Barbados to take immediate and decisive action to strengthen animal welfare protections. Despite the existence of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, enforcement remains weak, and countless animals continue to suffer due to inadequate penalties, rampant unregulated breeding, and insufficient screening of those seeking to purchase animals.
We respectfully demand the following reforms:
1. Mandatory prison sentences for all proven cases of animal cruelty, to ensure that perpetrators are held fully accountable.
2. Outlawing unregulated backyard breeding by introducing a robust licensing system for all breeders, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
3. Mandating a rigorous 'Adoption Standard' background screening for all animal sales, ensuring only responsible, caring individuals are entrusted with animal lives.
We further call for transparent enforcement and regular public reporting to ensure accountability and public trust.
We urge you to act now and demonstrate that Barbados stands for compassion, responsibility, and justice for all living beings. For more advocacy updates, follow @GraciousStoneHaven.
Sincerely,
Gracious Stone Haven (GSH)
gsh.animaldefense@gmail.com
CC: The Hon. Michael A. Lashley, S.C., M.P., Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice
CC: The Hon. Gregory P. B. Nicholls, M.P., Minister of Home Affairs and Information