This morning several concerned people called several times, reporting a cow and calf roaming freely on the main road in Castle Comfort, near Water’s Edge. Shortly after, several more calls reported these animals to be hit by one or more vehicles, endangering the life of these animals as well as the driving public.
In contact and in coordination with the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Lennox St Aimee, the rescue team was dispatched to the place of accident, finding indeed the calf injured by the road. It is fortunate that no persons were injured or vehicle damage reported, as the owner could be liable for all medical expenses of injured driver, and passengers, as well as vehicle recovery costs according to insurance policies of the damaged vehicle.
As per procedure, the rescue team moved the injured calf for examination by a veterinarian in charge, and both animals were transferred to a safe monitored location for further medical examination and required treatment.
We would like to ask the public for urgent assistance in finding the owner of these animals as the owner was not present at the scene during rescue operation, nor contacted us later.
As per discussion with authorities, these animals can not be returned to the owner until it is proven that they will be kept in a secure shelter with appropriate food, water, and with veterinary care for the injured calf.
Such large animals roaming in residential areas without proper food or shelter are exposed to immediate danger of accident, injury, pain and possibly death – also creating a serious hazard for road users. Under The Protection Of Animals Act, Chapter 61:01 any person that causes unnecessary suffering or is the owner permits such unnecessary suffering to animals is guilty of the offense of cruelty to animals and is liable under summary conviction to a fine and/or possible imprisonment.
An alternative to the above charges is to surrender these animals or sell them (less rescue, veterinary and transportation charges) to the Rescue which will ensure proper and safe relocation of these harmed animals to a safe facility/location approved by authorities.
Anyone with information on this case regarding the owner is asked to please contact Rescue hotline at 767 245 0001.
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