–welcomes presidential commitment to tackling animal cruelty

NOT-FOR-PROFIT animal welfare organisation, ‘Paws for a Cause’-Guyana, on Saturday, joined many other kindred spirits in expressing its support for promises and provisions made by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government in its 2021 Budget.

The organisation, which was founded in February 2019, iterated its ‘unreserved support’ for the President’s provision of support for the well-being of animals. His Excellency gave his assurance that the People of Guyana would be judged by the treatment of their animals, adding that ‘soft issues’ of that nature contribute to the story of Guyanese identity.

“Paws for a Cause-Guyana wholeheartedly believes that Guyanese can become more compassionate and caring towards each other, when children in particular are taught to be compassionate and caring towards animals. Alternatively, animal abuse can often be an indication of, or trigger for, violent tendencies towards humans. As such, we are elated by His Excellency’s pledge that direct investment and allocations will be made to support associations and organisations in our efforts to prevent cruelty against animals,” the organisation said in a press release.

The release also noted the unprecedented nature of the government’s focus on animal welfare and pledge for direct budgetary support at a public policy level, and the unlikelihood of the issue being addressed by the president himself. However, the organisation expressed its gratitude for the gesture, in addition to its optimism about the future of animal welfare in Guyana.

“Following from [sic] our previous meeting with Her Excellency Arya Ali, where she committed to supporting efforts to improve standards of care and well-being for animals, we are more optimistic about the future of animal welfare in Guyana. Our President and First Lady have shown exemplary leadership and commitment to the pursuit of the ‘greater good’, and we encourage all animal lovers to support their noble work.”

While organisations such as ‘Paws for a Cause’-Guyana continue to play a salient role in the protection of animals, His Excellency the President has sent a clear message that his government will not tolerate animal abuse.

“We all as citizens must encourage and ensure that public officials diligently carry out His Excellency’s call for improved animal welfare across our great country,” the organisation said in closing.
‘Paws for a Cause’ – Guyana was created with the goal of improving animal welfare in Guyana, and fostering a future generation of compassionate and caring humans. The organisation aims to prevent animal cruelty through interaction and connection with the younger generation, promoting humane, ethical, and responsible pet ownership, advocating for control of the animal population via spay-and-neuter campaigns, and assisting in cases of reported animal neglect and abuse.