A $100 Fine for Torturing a Horse?

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams is calling for urgent reform of Belize’s animal cruelty laws following the disturbing case involving the brutal abuse of a horse by a group of young men in Belize City.

ComPol Williams said there is a need for stronger deterrents to the outdated nature of current legislation.

“Unfortunately it is a misdemeanour, so it does not carry a stiff penalty, so these are things we have to look at to see how we can transform the law. The laws we have in place for these kinds of acts are antiquated. They have been in place post-independence. Times have changed, so there is a need to look at those laws to see how we can strengthen them to serve as a deterrent to those who may wish to continue those types of activities,” Williams stated.

The commissioner confirmed the penalty is about $100.

Williams also responded to criticism that police often fail to take reports of animal abuse seriously, especially when it comes to horses.

“The thing is we try to do as best as we can. There are instances where we require the support of the owners, and we don’t get that support. While the penalties for the offence, which is cruelty to animals, may carry a small fine, we are also looking [at] abatement to commit cruelty to animals. The abetment will take the penalty more severely. So we are hoping to go that route to send a stronger signal to those young men and to others who may have in mind to carry out such acts,” he said.

The case has sparked national outrage and renewed conversations about the treatment of animals in Belize. Police have identified multiple suspects and confirmed that they are working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to determine appropriate charges.