Merchants enlist DCRA for dog control in St John’s

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Business owners in St John’s are not behind any alleged plan to euthanise the large number of dogs that are causing widespread problems in the city.

In response to the claim made by a local dog advocacy group, Chairman of the Heritage Quay Merchants Association (HQMA) Elijah James, who described himself as an animal lover, gave the assurance that he, nor his organisation, “would never in any way, shape or form seek to poison or hurt any dog.

“But instead [we] would seek to urge owners to take responsibility and to please keep their dogs secured and get them registered in accordance with the Dog Registration and Control Act,” he stated.

In order to achieve this, he added, the HQMA has approached the Dog Control & Regulatory Authority (DCRA) for assistance to reduce the number of stray dogs in Redcliffe Quay and Heritage Quay and other parts of the city.

James said the problem is particularly noticeable on cruise ship days.

“Whenever a cruise horn is heard, dogs tend to make their way into the city to ‘work’ the visitors for petting or food, etc. Some leave at the end of the day, while others sleep in corners around the city and even in Heritage Quay,” he said.

More in today’s Daily Observer.

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