PUBLIC NOTICE

DEATH OF HORSES IN GRAND TURK

The Department of Agriculture with the assistance of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is presently investigating reported cases of deaths in the horses of Grand Turk brought to our attention on the 1^st August, 2020. 

From preliminary reports, this is a new occurrence and is not related to any other event involving horses recently in Grand Turk.  Several of the horses exhibiting signs of ill health and succumbing are privately owned. We are therefore appealing to all horse owners to confine or enclose their horses particularly in light of the incumbent weather conditions being experienced presently. Do not allow your horse (or animals) to roam in pursuit of food, as they can consume items that can be detrimental and result in fatalities.

We are kindly asking the public, to contact the Department of Agriculture (See contact information below) if animals (not only horses) appear to be ill, lying down or dead.  Please do not attempt to touch any animal seen in this state. Do refrain from feeding roaming horses at this time as their digestive system are very sensitive to sudden changes in diet.

It must also be noted that there are no confirmed reports that COVID-19 was found or can affect horses.

Any information of persons maliciously trying to harm animals please report immediately to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (Grand Turk).  Such is an offence under the Animal Health Ordinance (2012) Section 48(2):

“Any person who commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction for a first offence to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both fine and imprisonment, and, for a subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both fine and imprisonment.”

Thank you, the residents of Grand Turk for your continued vigilance and assistance to help resolve this matter.

Department of Agriculture

Office 1: 16 Parade Avenue, Butterfield Square, Providenciales   Telephone: 1(649)338-5269 (Provo)

Office 2:  South Base, Grand Turk   Telephone:  1(649)338-3882 (GDT)

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS