ComPol Wants Stiffer Penalties for Animal Abuse

We spoke with Commissioner of Police Chester Williams about the hundred-dollar fine, which is the maximum penalty for animal abuse. We also addressed the criticism that the police don’t take animal abuse reports seriously. Here’s what he had to say.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Unfortunately it is a misdemeanor 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 it to serve as a deterrent to those who may wish to continue those types of activities.”

 

Paul Lopez

“My understanding is that the fine is somewhere around one hundred dollars. Is that your understanding?”

 

Chester Williams

“Somewhere around there yes.”

 

Paul Lopez

“The criticism is that whenever police is called to reports of animals abuse where horses are concerned, and animal abuse in general, they don’t take these reports seriously.”

 

Chester Williams

“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 offense, which is cruelty to animals, may carry a small fine, we are also looking abatement to commit cruelty to animal. The abetment will take the penalty more severe. 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.”