Animal rights group threatens lawsuit against Sando Corp

Attorney Michael Rooplal, in a letter to the mayor on behalf of the ADS, asked that, within the next 14 days, the group be informed of the measures taken to ensure a smooth re-opening of the pound.

Rooplal said he has also advised his client of their right to file official complaints at the San Fernando Police Station and/or to institute private prosecutions against the Pound Keeper and other employees of the City Corporation, should such conditions persist.

The attorney reminded the Mayor and the corporation’s chief executive officer Willa Guy Straker that a meeting was held with representatives of Animal Alive - a part of the ADS - in August and an undertaking was given that the city pound would be closed for three weeks to facilitate an upgrade of the facilities and implement proper and modern policies and procedures for the treatment of the animals kept there.

“As you have no doubt come to appreciate, the current treatment of animals at the City Pound can only be described as abhorrent and inhumane,” Rooplal wrote.

In August, San Fernando residents posted photos and videos to social media showing animals left in filthy cells, sitting in their own faeces, with no food or water, and left to starve for days until they are put down via injection, bagged and tossed into the dump.

Hosein intervened and following a meeting with stakeholders, assured that the pound would be refurbished and more humane practices employed.

Rooplal said in accordance with the provisions of the Summary Offences Act, Chapter 11:02 and the Pounds Act, Chapter 67:03, the mistreatment of the animals by the Pound Keeper and other employees of the San Fernando City Corporation (“the City Corporation”) are criminal offences actionable at the Magistrates’ Court.

The lawyer has asked that several measures be implemented upon the reopening of the facility: including, the advertising of fixed operation hours; proper training of new staff; humane handling, care and treatment of animals; proper housing for the animals, a sustained advertising campaign for adoption, and euthanasia of animals; proper protocols for euthanasia; fixed procedures for ease of adoption and adequate security and surveillance of staff.