Dogs and Cats Antigua, a non-profit organization, is expanding its operations to better tackle the growing stray animal problem on the island. The organization, originally founded as a Facebook-based foster network in January 2015, is constructing a specialized isolation unit at its East Lightfoot facility.
This expansion comes in response to recent regulations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which now prohibit the importation of puppies under six months old into the United States. Implemented on August 1, 2023, the policy change has significantly affected the organization’s ability to rehome rescued animals, as they previously sent many puppies to the U.S. and Canada.
“We typically have about 90 dogs at the sanctuary at any given time,” said Joy Farrell, the organization’s founder. The new isolation unit marks a major upgrade from the sanctuary’s original makeshift facilities and incorporates years of expertise in animal care and safety.
The new facility will feature design elements that prioritize animal welfare and operational efficiency. Four-foot block walls will prevent dogs from seeing each other, reducing stress and agitation. In addition, higher mesh walls—replacing traditional chain-link fencing—will allow for better ventilation while preventing dogs from putting their snouts through the barriers.
“We’ve learned a lot over the past five years about what’s necessary to keep the pups safe,” Farrell explained. “We need a block wall at the bottom to reduce agitation by preventing the dogs from seeing each other, and a higher wall at the top, usually made of smaller mesh than chain-link, to stop the dogs from putting their snouts through.”
Originally, the sanctuary had planned for a more elaborate design, which included a water therapy unit for rehabilitating injured animals. This plan, estimated to cost about one million dollars, was created by a U.S.-based architect and project manager. However, the organization has chosen to proceed with a more immediate, modified version of the project. The first phase will focus on constructing puppy pens in half of the isolation unit.
The expansion also addresses broader concerns related to Antigua’s tourism industry. “We’re a tourist destination, and we always need to be mindful of that,” Farrell noted. “Tourists don’t want to visit an island where they see dead or stray dogs in poor condition.”
In addition to the new isolation unit, the organization provides 24/7 emergency services for injured animals, covering all veterinary and rehabilitation costs. The current phase of construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with builders estimating a four-week timeline for this phase.
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