THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has warned owners of animals found trespassing on aerodromes that they could face prosecution, as concerns grow over the increasing frequency of animals crossing runways across the country.
The Authority said the presence of animals on active runways poses a serious threat to aviation safety, potentially endangering passengers, flight crews, and aircraft.
The GCAA said the deliberate or negligent release of animals onto aerodromes constitutes a breach of aviation safety, and warned that such incidents would be subject to enforcement action.
According to the Authority, disruptions caused by animals on runways are offences under the Civil Aviation Act 2018, with owners or other persons responsible potentially facing criminal proceedings.
The GCAA specifically cited Section 83(1) of the Act, which states that a person who trespasses on land forming part of an aerodrome, or causes an animal to trespass on such land, commits an offence.
Upon summary conviction, the offence carries a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for six months.
The Authority said it would work with law-enforcement agencies to identify persons responsible for compromising aviation safety, and pursue enforcement measures where offences are established.
The warning comes amid increased attention to runway incursions involving animals, which can interfere with aircraft movements and create hazardous conditions at aerodromes.
The GCAA urged members of the public to treat aerodromes as safety-critical infrastructure, and to take steps to prevent animals from entering airport and airstrip areas.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious activity or threats to aerodrome operations to the relevant authorities or anonymously to the GCAA hotline at 608-4222.
The Authority urged the public to adopt the message: “See something, say something, do something,” stressing that protecting passengers, flight crews and aviation infrastructure remains a priority.