ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is renewing its call for responsible dog ownership following continued reports of livestock being chased, injured and killed by roaming dogs across the Territory.

Veterinary Officer Dr Nadya George said the attacks have become a serious and recurring concern for farmers, resulting in both financial losses and significant distress.

“Year after year, we see sheep, goats and other livestock chased, bitten, severely injured or killed by roaming dogs,” Dr George said.

According to George, some of the dogs involved are owned animals that have escaped from their homes or are routinely allowed to roam, while in other cases, identifying the owner can prove more difficult.

The consequences for livestock can be severe.

Animals may suffer bite wounds, fractures, shock and infections. Even where there is no direct bite, livestock can sustain serious injuries while attempting to flee an attacking dog.

George noted that animals can also become separated from their young or experience significant stress, with young, pregnant and otherwise vulnerable livestock particularly at risk.

For farmers, the impact can extend well beyond the immediate loss of an animal.

“A single attack can erase years of investment,” George explained, noting that the loss of a breeding animal can affect the future size of a herd, offspring, production and income.

Owners Responsible Under Law

The Department is reminding dog owners that the Dogs (Prevention of Injury to Persons, Livestock and Poultry) Act, 2001 requires dogs to be registered and kept under proper control.

Owners are being urged to:

• Keep dogs securely confined on their premises.
• Use a leash and maintain effective control when away from home.
• Ensure registration remains current and identification tags are attached.
• Regularly inspect fences, gates, kennels, collars and other restraints.
• Take immediate action if a dog repeatedly escapes or is found roaming.

“A dog that keeps escaping or roams through a community should not be dismissed as harmless,” George cautioned. “An uncontrolled dog can cause extensive injury and loss within a very short period.”

She also highlighted the importance of registration, which can help the Department identify roaming dogs and their owners, particularly following an attack on livestock.

The Department said uncontrolled dogs pose a broader threat to efforts to expand local agriculture and strengthen food security.

Repeated livestock losses can undermine farmers’ investments, discourage established farmers from continuing operations and potentially deter new farmers from entering the sector.

“Farmers should not have to continually bear the financial consequences of preventable attacks by uncontrolled dogs,” George said.

The Department is therefore urging dog owners to take responsibility for their animals by ensuring they are registered, securely confined and properly controlled.

With livestock farmers continuing to contribute to local food production, the Department said responsible dog ownership is an important part of protecting both agricultural livelihoods and the Territory’s food-security efforts.