BY Sen. Maxine Seymour – Dear Editor,
I am relieved to hear that the young boy attacked on Saturday past in the Rosetta Street area is
stable, and that his injuries are not life-threatening. Animal Control acted swiftly and the
pitbulls involved have already been euthanized.
Dog attacks are not rare in The Bahamas. In May, a five-year-old girl was bitten in the capital. A
year ago, a woman faced charges after her pitbulls mauled a man in New Providence. In 2019, a
man riding his bicycle in Grand Bahama was attacked by three pitbulls. In 2022, a man was
found dead on a sidewalk on Palm Tree Avenue, suspected to have been attacked by dogs. In
2023, a toddler in Grand Bahama was attacked at preschool. Also in 2023, an elderly woman
was viciously attacked while exercising in Lucaya. In January 2024 a runner in the capital
described being backed up against a wall on Nassau Street when two pitbulls disrupted his
morning jog. This is not a complete record of attacks. Each incident is a warning we can no
longer dismiss.
Too often, people breed dogs, mix breeds, or even train them to be aggressive, yet fail to
secure them properly. That failure puts others at risk. We must do better. The protection of
human life is paramount, and part of that protection depends on responsible dog ownership.
This is not about vilifying dogs because it is not their fault, their owners are to blame. Many
Bahamian families love and care for their pets responsibly. Dogs provide companionship,
emotional support, and life-changing assistance to people with disabilities. They are loyal,
loving creatures, but compassion for animals must never come at the expense of public safety.
Both matter. Both must be protected.
I often see stray dogs roaming the streets of New Providence, and I question where we would
be without organizations like BAARK!, The Bahamas Humane Society, and others who dedicate
themselves to spay and neuter programmes. Their work is vital, and it deserves national
support, even as we tackle the root causes with stronger enforcement and coordinated action.
Ferocious or aggressive dogs have no place in residential areas. All dogs, indoor and outdoor,
must be securely enclosed, with shade, water, and space to exercise. They must not roam freely
or intimidate passersby, like students walking to and from school and working adults heading to
bus stops. Beaches and parks are shared spaces. We live in a beautiful subtropical climate, and
the outdoors are a divine gift that we should be able to enjoy without compromise. I have said
it multiple times before, no one should be forced to navigate fear while enjoying life in public
settings.
I encourage citizens to report violations. We must protect our citizens and residents, especially
the most vulnerable, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, while caring for our animals
with dignity and responsibility.
Prevention is better than cure. Accountability is better than regret. Let us do better.
Warmly,
Maxine Seymour
Opposition Senator & Shadow Minister for Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting
