Animal Welfare Advocates Propose Volunteer Rescue Programme With Police

Animal welfare advocates have met with officials from the Ministry of Police to discuss a proposed programme that would allow trained volunteers to help police respond to reports of animal mistreatment and carry out urgent rescues. In a social media post today, Nis Bara said she and Kristen Avila met with the ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Elton Bennett, Staff Officer Dawn Mitchell and Inspector Miriam Chun. The discussions focused on a new animal welfare policy and a volunteer programme for Belize.  According to Bara, the proposal would involve both local and foreign volunteers working directly with police. Officers and volunteers would receive animal rescue training, along with guidance on procedures for enforcing Belize’s Cruelty to Animals Act.  The programme is still being discussed. Bara said further meetings are needed to work out the details and how it would be implemented.