A TEAM of veterinarians led by Dr Nardeo Basodeo has been deployed to Leguan to carry out a technical assessment of the island’s stray dog population, amid growing concerns over attacks on livestock and residents.

The exercise, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said in a Facebook post on Saturday, involves identifying and tagging dogs with known owners, as well as rehoming animals deemed suitable for rehabilitation. This is part of efforts to curb the problem and enhance public safety.

The matter was raised during President Ali’s visit to the island last week. Following the visit an update was provided on the steps being taken to address the issue.

Only recently the President announced a wide-ranging package of measures to strengthen animal welfare, promising increased financial support for organisations and new tax incentives to expand professional animal care across the country.

While outlining the government’s economic plans for the next five years, animal protection he said will be treated as a core component of building what the administration describes as “a more humane society”.

As part of the initiative, the government will provide increased resources and direct financial support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in animal care and welfare, as well as to institutions that operate animal shelters and rescue services.

He noted that the government plans to reduce or remove taxes on veterinary hospitals, clinics, and animal shelters, with such entities to be exempt from corporation tax, in line with existing concessions for the agriculture, health, and education sectors.

In addition to the tax incentives, a nationwide animal welfare campaign will be launched to map areas of “risk and distress” for animals, identify gaps in care, and prioritise interventions.

The campaign will be carried out in partnership with animal welfare organisations, which have already submitted proposals to the government.

The President said these recommendations were valued and are aligned with the administration’s broader policy direction.