Veterinary Services did not breach laws

The Editor, Sir:

I write in response to your Letter of the Day on July 5, titled 'Revise outdated dog importation laws'. In the article, the writer makes some broad and sweeping allegations against the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and, in particular, the Veterinary Services Division, which are simply not true.

First, it is not true to say that the Veterinary Services Division breached or acted in contravention of any existing law(s).

In the specific instance, a search team was invited from the United States by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, who applied to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for permission to facilitate the importation of Cadaver-detecting dogs as part of their operations.

This permission was lawfully granted under Article 15, (1) of the Animals (Diseases and Importation) Law, which states:

"The director of Veterinary Services may grant to any person a licence to import any bird, reptile or insect into the island, and may, notwithstanding anything contained in any regulations made under Section 14, for the purposes of any exhibition, performance, or circus, grant a licence to import any particular animal into the island.

Article 15, (2) states that "Any licence granted under this section may contain such terms and conditions as the Director of Veterinary Services may think necessary."

Healthy dogs

The division is not to determine the capability of 'special service dogs', but to ensure that animal and public health are safeguarded.

Second, as it relates to the issue of public health, it must be stated that the dogs are totally healthy and free from diseases. This was determined prior to an import permit being issued for their entry. The relevant official veterinary health certificates, including vaccination certificates, were presented by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service dated June 22, 2010.

Furthermore, 'special service dogs' are somewhat exempted from certain requirements for travel, particularly cadaver-detecting dogs, which are required to perform search and rescue tasks in disaster zones, such as after earthquakes, floods, fires and other natural or man-made disasters. They also enjoy the privilege of being able to travel with their owner/handler together on board aircraft.

In fact, the importation of 'special service dogs' into Jamaica is not something new. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was issued a permit to import a dog into Jamaica in 2000 to assist in the search for missing travel writer, Claudia Kirschhoch.

Updating the laws

The ministry is in the process of updating legislation relating to the international movement of companion animals. In fact, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Christopher Tufton, recently appointed a committee to, among other things, study, review and make recommendations to him on the importation of dogs and cats into Jamaica.

All this is being done in recognition of the fact that the ministry is attempting to implement systems, which will be necessary in order to keep in line with obligations as a member country of the PETS Travel Scheme.

The ministry is committed to safeguarding animal and public health as part of its mandate. In the meantime, any effort to develop the capacity in Jamaica (for search and rescue, bomb-sniffing, narcotic-detecting, seeing-eye dogs) is welcome and the ministry will give its full support.

I am, etc.,

Dr OSBIL WATSON

Director, Veterinary Services Division

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries