By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Manager of the Dog Registration and Control Authority, Melissa Elliot Frank, is urging the public to cooperate with the safety measures put in place for their dogs and other animals.

She emphasized that all dog owners must comply with the law, which requires registration once the dog is over six months old. Elliot Frank is appealing to dog owners to keep their dogs tied and to think about the safety of others.

Dog registration costs EC$50 annually, which includes tagging and microchipping of the animal.

However, the authority lacks the necessary resources to carry out the control part of its mandate.

They are responsible for taking stray and roaming dogs off the streets, impounding them, and euthanizing the sick ones. Elliot Frank stated that the authority is eager to help and is passionate about their work, but the shortage of staff is one of the biggest challenges.

Elliot Frank also expressed concern about dog fighting, which is still ongoing in Antigua and Barbuda.

The authority has received increased reports of all matters relating to dogs, including attacks on children, communities in hotels, and dog fights.

The official stated that this is not a situation for Dog Control alone and that the police must come into play. She stressed that they need the police to understand their roles so that they can carry out their jobs properly and effectively.