Back in 2013, the Humane Society of the BVI purchased an acre of land for a new animal shelter in Josiahs Bay after pinching pennies and saving donations for a decade.
The project didn’t come easy, but after years of delays it finally opened on Saturday with a family-centred event hosted by beaming shelter staff and volunteers.
Attendees played with dogs, cats and rabbits while exploring the new shelter, which includes indoor and outdoor pens, a veterinary area, a “catio” for feline residents, and other features.
“This year marks the animal shelter’s 50th anniversary,” said long-time shelter manager Vijay Bissoondutt. “So it’s great that everything has fallen into place at the same time.”
The new shelter currently holds 45 dogs, but it has the capacity to comfortably house up to 75, according to Mr. Bissoondutt. It is also home to 16 cats, as well as other animals including rabbits, ducks and parrots.
Years of delays
The shelter, which was previously located in Johnsons Ghut, had been operating at Josiahs Bay for a few days prior to the official opening.
The project was initially conceived before the 2013 death of shelter founder Tessa Gunter, but it was delayed for years by a shortage of funding and other issues.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the Johnsons Ghut facility — a setback exacerbated by the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.
“The resources and the money we’d put aside to start construction [in Josiahs Bay], we had to put back into the old building to keep the doors open,” Mr. Bissoondutt explained.
Irma also led to a change of plans for the Josiahs Bay project, according to Humane Society Board Member Els Kraakman.
“Because of the hurricane, we thought we should go back to traditional building with concrete, as it’s much better than using steel,” said Ms. Kraakman, whose husband Gerard Kraakman was contracted to build the facility through his firm GK Construction. “We wanted to have certain things — like the cats completely away from the dogs, giving them their own outside space that we didn’t have in the other place.”
Mr. Bissoondutt stressed that the Humane Society is a non-profit organisation that benefits from community support in any form.
“People always think when we ask for donations, it has to be in the form of money,” he said. “It’s not always money. You can bring old towels, cleaning supplies, weedwhackers, wheelbarrows, envelopes, and other resources we use on a day-to-day basis.”
Volunteering is another helpful contribution, he said, encouraging residents to assist with dog walking from 8-10 a.m. daily. Meanwhile, fundraisers in the works include family fun-days, petting zoos and annual events like the “Great Catsby” ball and Gaming Night.
Among the attendees on Saturday was Tiina Tigane, of Virgin Gorda Animal Rescue, who brought treats for the dogs.
“Donate to the cause, even if only a few dollars,” she urged residents.
Ms. Tigane owns seven rescue dogs and has worked closely with the Humane Society to provide homes for strays.
Governor Daniel Pruce, who also attended the Saturday opening, said he was impressed with the new facility.
“It’s great to be here today to see the new shelter, which I know has been many years in the planning and construction, and it’s a marvellous facility,” he said.
He also paid a visit to the bird tower in the shelter’s backyard.
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Opening hours
The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
Mr. Bissoondutt encouraged residents to bring their pets to be spayed and neutered.
The shelter’s phone number is still 494-9008, and residents can call with inquiries about adoption and fostering, vet visits, volunteering and more.
British Caribbean News
