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The Animal Control Centre, "The Lazaretto", St. Michael
Excerpt from Poem – ‘OUTCAST GHAZAL’ by Eve Rifkah. 
“In 1905 the children shout, throw stones, clackers and bells,
Frighten the frightened, the outcast, the leper”
Lepers were treated this way – outcast, abused, mistreated, some only longing for rescue and affirmation. Sometimes we forget that animals can feel pain and be frightened; some people starve their animals, tie, chain and beat them into submission. Yes, to this day that’s how animals are treated – the same way Lepers were treated!
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines a lazaretto: “...word of Italian origin, as a hospital for the diseased poor, especially Lepers…” Lazaretto is the name of a very small community situated about 5 Km north of the City of Bridgetown and it refers to a former quarantine location for Lepers. The “ Lazaretto Gardens ” is an oasis situated on a hillside, on the outside walls of this vast structure. The garden is beautifully landscaped, contains several species of tropical flowers and trees and features a magnificent waterfall cascading down a rock face. There are several benches where you can sit and relax and enjoy this charming garden. You may also follow the path up to the Barbados Archives, a haven for historical records.
The LazAretto, a beautiful old building built in 1907 to house the Leper colony and the Leper’s Hospital. The old Church still stands proud, used for burial services before the bodies were taken to the cemetery across the road at Batts Rock. The Lepers lived behind these walls, hidden from sight, with no hope, no future. So is it any coincidence that, at the rear of the old Lazaretto itself, the local establishment of the Animal Control Center is found? A place for lost, strayed, abused and injured animals to be housed, usually only temporarily.
Surveillance of Stray Dogs
Animal Control plays a significant role in the preservation of the Public’s Health. An increase in the stray dog population over the years has brought with it increased health risks for the population of Barbados . These risks include the transmission and spread of Zoonotic diseases, (such as Leptospirosis, Rabies, Scabies, Samonellosis, Cutaneous Larval Migrants), dog bites, damage to livestock and property and contributing to the occurrence of vehicular accidents.
In response to these risks, surveillance of these animals commenced in 1979, when the Animal Control Center was formed. This Surveillance is conducted for the sole purpose of reducing and effectively controlling the stray dog population through - 1) Snaring and Trapping stray dogs ; 2) Registration and Licensing of dogs and kennels; 3) Enforcement of Regulation; 4) Educational campaigns aimed at raising the Public’s awareness and knowledge of the stray population and issues related to its reduction and control. Areas to be addressed include but not limited to are:-
- Encouraging responsible ownership of dogs.
- Care of dogs.
- Encouraging the spaying and neutering by a qualified Veterinarian.
- Licensing of all dogs six months or older.
- Prevention of cruelty to dogs.
- Stamping out dog fighting.
- Rehabilitation of all sick, injured and abandoned dogs.
- Re-homing dogs.
It is time to stop the lip service! All Humane Societies and Stake Holders in Animal Welfare, hands to the plough!!
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