The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have heard rumours regarding the Bahamas Humane Society recently and wish to address these untruths and misconceptions.

The Bahamas Humane Society is not putting hundreds of dogs to sleep. We have had to put some very sick dogs to sleep, because they were dying from distemper, and by euthanising them they suffered for less time.

Distemper is a very infectious disease; we quarantine any dog with signs of the illness and with the assistance of medications, drips and administering ceracee daily we do everything in our power to save those dogs. Sometimes we are successful, sometimes not.

The sad fact is that many of the dogs in our shelter have been street dogs and their immune system is weak; when they start a downward spiral it is difficult to bring them back to health.

The last thing we ever want to do is to take a life. We are there to save lives and to alleviate suffering. If a dog is dying painfully we make it quicker and less painful than nature, but only for those who have no hope. We are presently working hard, and getting close to, being accredited as the first “No kill” shelter in the Caribbean area

I have also heard tell that we are overcrowded and have no space. Not true. We do have empty kennels, but are not admitting dogs at present because of the distemper. We, on the other hand, have lots of cats and would welcome new forever homes for them immediately. There are no health concerns presently with our cat population.

There is a new test that we can do on our dogs to ensure that they are Distemper free when they leave the shelter … but it is costly and we would invite the public to consider donating to our charity so that all dogs can be tested before being found homes.

I wish to take this chance to remind every dog owner of the importance of keeping up to date with your dog’s shots. Check with your vet today and find out if your pet is due for his yearly shots.

KIM ARANHA

President, Bahamas Humane Society

Nassau,

August 28, 2015.