animal cruelty

christie, I'm sorry you missed the point and I had no intention of denigrating your questions or your search for information. It IS hard to explain to somebody who either has lived here for only a short while or who doesn't live here what a complex society is the Virgin Islands which is a huge melting pot of culture, color and race.

You asked if there were any West Indians involved with the Humane Society which, and forgive me if this sounds in any way offensive because it's not meant to be, almost sounded as though you had already made up your mind that "West Indians" don't give a rat's patooty about animal cruelty which couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, the Board of Directors of the Humane Society is and has always been as racially diverse as is the island population, so the answer to your question would be a simple "yes" both where the Board of Directors of the Humane Society, its general membership and support of its aims are concerned.

I think if you really absorb the answers posted in response to your questions, you'll find that many posters have made many astute and valid points. The islands have made tremendous leaps and bounds in the last twenty years in recognizing animal cruelty, it's societal impact and implications and dealing with it, and I can assure you that things have improved drastically in two decades.

The major breakthrough of the final passing into law of an Animal Cruelty Bill just last year demonstrated that perserverance and education finally do pay off but now it's up to us all to ensure that the mandates of the law are executed.

If you see an example of what you consider animal abuse, call the Humane Society. If you can't reach the Humane Society for any reason, call a local veterinarian. Call the Police Department - and don't believe everything you hear about the VIPD's innaction where animal abuse is concerned. I can cite you at least two stories over two decades from personal involvement when officers responded with alacrity and saved animals even BEFORE the animal cruelty bill was passed and I know there are many other such good tales.

I don't know which island you visit or are involved with but if STT you might want to contact the Humane Society of St Thomas (www.humanesocietyofstthomas.com) where I'm sure you'll find a wealth of information.

Your basic membership dues would also help them continue the awesome job that they do.

Cheers.