IN Freddie Kissoon’s column, Kaieteur News, Sunday, May 4, 2008, he wrote of a dead donkey outside a fast food outlet on Vlissengen Road that had apparently been dead for 3 days and another on a highway leading to the CARICOM Secretariat that had been there for over a week. Freddie, for your and our readers information, here are some of the actions you can take to help make a difference in our city.
City Council Cleansing Department is prompt in picking up dead animals (if they know where to find them) just call 223-5123. They go up to Agricola on the East Bank and Industry/Cummings Lodge on the East Coast. This Department does not have eyes and ears everywhere, so we “the good citizens” can help by calling quickly and telling them where to locate the animals. Their working hours are Monday through Saturday 7am to 4pm.

According to Mr. Ishree, Acting Deputy Director of Solid Waste Management, if there is a dead dog in your area the City Council garbage truck(s) can pick it up. Also, the Landfill Site is open everyday for receipt of dead animals.

Beyond those areas mentioned above, picking up dead animals is the responsibility of the local NDC. Citizens should take the time to find the number of the respective NDC and hold them responsible.

If you see a fresh road kill (within 6 to 8 hrs – the sooner the better) of a large animal (donkey, cow, horse, pig) call the Zoo immediately at 225-9142 or 225-9093; they need the meat for their large cats. The Zoo normally responds quickly as the use of fresh road kills lowers the cost of buying meat for their cats, which is getting very expensive. The Zoo’s working hours are Monday through Friday 7am to 5.30pm and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 7.30am to 2.30pm. Contact Zoo Manager, Mr. Peter Khatoo, or person in charge.

When you see any animals suffering, injured, abused or neglected on our roads, or in your neighbourhood, call the GSPCA at 226-4237. They have a vehicle and 3 inspectors and react quickly.

If you see a “dead animal” on the road make sure it is really dead. It may still be breathing and need a vet or GSPCA Inspector to reduce its suffering. When in doubt, call the GSPCA at 226-4237. Remember, time is of the essence for converting large road kill into food for Zoo cats.

If your neighbour’s dog or cat is producing too many litters, talk to them about spaying or neutering. It cuts down on overpopulation and consequently helps to reduce road kills. Remember female dogs go into heat every 6 months and female cats every 3-4 months.

If more people get involved we can solve the animal-on-the-road problem. This is a start.
SYEADA MANBODH