The BVI Humane Society’s animal shelter in Johnsons Ghut is home to dozens of rescued animals, including dogs and cats, ponies and donkeys, a monkey and a parrot. But, with the site’s landlord seeking to develop the property and government unable to provide any land for the shelter, the society may soon be out on the street itself, said Tessa Gunter, the organisation’s director.
For about 26 years, the shelter has been at its present location, on land owned by A. O. Shirley, Ms. Gunter said. And Mr. Shirley recently sent a letter to Ms. Gunter, saying the larger animals, like horses and donkeys, need to be off the premises by Dec. 31 in keeping with a previous agreement.
Ms. Gunter said she doesn’t blame Mr. Shirley, as she always knew the land would be put to another use someday.
“It’s his land; he’s been kind enough to let me stay — all this stay, really,” she said, gesturing to the shelter grounds. “It’s time to move on.”
See the Oct. 27, 2011 edition for full coverage.