PRESIDENT of the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Mr. Oliver Insanally on Tuesday issued a statement in relation to the present situation as regards cruelty to animals in Guyana. Insanally relayed that the organization strongly condemns any act of cruelty against any animal; and said he believes harsher penalties need to be introduced to act as a deterrent, besides a more formal system being introduced to prosecute persons accused of cruelty.
He said the GSPCA has always been very concerned about the “national” problem of cruelty to animals. The organisation uses the term “national” as the problem is widespread; and disturbingly, certain forms of abuse have become somewhat engrained in the local culture as to “how animals should be treated”.
Insanally’s statement declared that the issue of cruelty is not limited to brutal beatings and starvation, but cruelty takes many forms, many of which are not even thought of as cruel acts, and are committed every day against these voiceless animals.
Insanally reported that apart from the obvious forms of cruelty, tying an animal on a chain for long hours; pelting a frightened animal on the road, causing it to run into traffic; overloading a horse cart; deliberately allowing one’s animal to freely roam the streets, thereby exposing them to injury and abuse by some irate person are all acts of cruelty.
He said that in addition to condemning these acts, the GSPCA engages in initiatives to spread awareness by placing advertisements on television, producing leaflets on how to treat and care for animals, and conducting outreach projects to treat animals and educate the public, among other things.
Insanally noted that despite these efforts, the incidents of abuse sadly continue.
Another prevalent form of cruelty in Guyanese society is the straying of animals, leaving them to wander on our roadways.
Insanally said, “These animals often die very gruesome and painful deaths — but they also pose a great danger to all road users, making this a cruel act not only against animals, but society as a whole.”

The GSPCA would like to advise persons with animals they are unable to care for properly; or those who know about animals without owners in their areas, to kindly contact the GSPCA on telephone # 226-4237.

He advised thus: “These animals may be taken to the GSPCA instead of being strayed. We are always willing to accept them. This is far kinder and more humane than simply straying animals.”

The GSPCA also offers a service that prevents animals from procreating. These procedures (called spaying for females and neutering for males) are offered free of cost through the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter, located at 65 Robb Street and Orange Walk, Georgetown, and are open to anyone.