DPNR creates Animal Warden posts
Published: July 5, 2010
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In response to numerous complaints by residents throughout the territory about feral chickens, the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources is appointing officers as Animal Wardens in both districts to enforce a control and eradication strategy.
The program will also address all stray animals, including cats, dogs and horses, in the territory, and the DPNR will focus on zoning violations outside zones designated for raising livestock, according to a statement issued by the department.
“All fowl complaints from adjoining neighbors experiencing issues of non-confinement, odor and noise will be investigated and violations issued to property owners. Non-compliant offenders will be promptly prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office,” according to the statement.
DPNR will work with the V.I. Department of Agriculture and use snares, nets and traps, and captured animals will be turned over to the Agriculture Department’s Veterinary Services Division, the statement said.
The animal warden will be a trained peace officer, which will enable the Department of Agriculture to increase enforcement of laws pertaining to animal health and welfare, including impounding stray and feral animals, investigating cases of animal abuse, removing abused and neglected animals and investigating and controlling dangerous pets, livestock, and horses in the territory, according to the DPNR.
