Kudos to the Humane Society of the BVI.
After more than a decade of planning, fundraising and overcoming setbacks — including Hurricane Irma and the Covid-19 pandemic — the non-profit organisation officially opened its new shelter at Josiahs Bay this month.
The celebration was much more than a ribbon-cutting: It was a testament to the longstanding dedication of staff, volunteers, donors and animal lovers across the territory.
The new facility is a major improvement over the cramped Johnsons Ghut building that served as the society’s home for decades. With spacious indoor and outdoor pens, a dedicated veterinary area, and even a “catio” to keep felines happy and safe, the shelter represents a leap forward for animal welfare in the Virgin Islands.
It is fitting that the opening coincides with the society’s 50th anniversary — serving as a reminder that the organisation has been quietly doing heroic work for half a century.
But amid the celebrations, it is important to remember that this milestone is not the finish line.
Today, far too many dogs and cats still roam the territory’s streets despite the best efforts of the Humane Society and other organisations. These stray animals can suffer terribly, and they can also become a public health and safety concern.
Besides housing such animals, the Humane Society has long helped lead efforts to spay and neuter pets along with partners such as PAW BVI. But community participation remains inconsistent.
Moving forward, pet owners must do their part by having their animals fixed, and the government should do its part to support the shelter and to back affordable or free spay-and-neuter programmes.
The government should also dramatically strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Existing legislation is toothless, leaving police with precious little recourse when someone abuses or neglects an animal in the territory — a problem that is still far too common here.
Meanwhile, residents who want to help the new shelter have many options. They can donate money or supplies, volunteer for dog-walking or fostering, or simply spread the word about adoption opportunities.
Even small contributions — a bag of pet food, a roll of paper towels, or an hour of time — can make a big difference over time.
It is sometimes said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals. In that respect, the VI still has a long way to go.
But the Humane Society has shown the way forward by making steady progress over the past 50 years. With its new home at Josiahs Bay, it is better equipped than ever to fulfil its mission.
Now the entire territory must rise to the occasion and help ensure that no animal is abandoned, abused or left hungry.
