‘Not enough hands’

Pamela Lawson, managing director of the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), has painted a worrying picture of the country’s animals in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica one month ago.

Across western Jamaica, the aftermath of the storm has left pets, livestock, and their owners struggling to recover.

“We just don’t have enough hands,” Lawson told The Sunday Gleaner. “We don’t have the ability to respond to all the requests for help.”

The impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s animals has been devastating, with both domestic pets and livestock affected. Lawson said the JSPCA has joined forces with organisations like the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, Nutramix, and the Veterinary Services Division to assist animal owners.

“We have to get the country back on its feet, and the only way to do that is to get the livestock and agriculture industry back,” she said.

Addressing the House of Representatives two weeks ago, agriculture minister Floyd Green said Melissa caused $29.5 billion in losses to the sector. He said two million animals, including small ruminants, were lost.

“We have reports of 3,560 small ruminants, 5,600 pigs and 2,850 cattle, [with] combined losses of $3.1 billion,” he said.

Preliminary assessment indicate that more 1.1 million chickens have been lost.

The demand for assistance has been overwhelming, as many animals were either injured by the storm or have fallen ill due to disease.

“People have been seeking that guidance tremendously. In Santa Cruz [St Elizabeth], we did over 100 farmers in one day, and we try to record their losses, which were significant, especially with goats and chickens,” she explained.

Many farmers are now facing serious animal health challenges. “Farmers are dealing with hoof rot, gastrointestinal issues because of contaminated water or feed, and they want to know the best way to deal with it,” Lawson added.

The hurricane has not only destroyed homes and property but has left a trail of vulnerable and grieving animals. Lawson says farmers and pet owners are noticing a worrying change in the behaviour of their animals.

Animals are depressed

“A lot of farmers have complained that their animals are depressed. They are not behaving the same and they are not functioning the same,” she said.

She emphasized that the emotional state of humans can directly affect animals.

“Companion animals feed off how we feel. If we feel stressed, depressed, and overwhelmed, they do as well,” Lawson explained.

The effect has been particularly evident among livestock.

“Farmers, especially goat farmers, have been complaining that since the hurricane, their animals are not acting the way they usually do. They are not eating well and they are not thriving,” she said.

Lawson said that the stress and grief experienced by animals is real and should not be overlooked.

“They are stressed. All of them are stressed. Animals grieve too and they get stressed; it doesn’t matter if it’s companion animals or livestock. If a person who is constantly in their life leaves, it affects them.”

The JSPCA is urging animal owners to be aware of these signs and provide extra care and attention to help their animals recover emotionally. Lawson also encouraged maintaining routines, proper nutrition, vaccination, and medical support to mitigate the lingering effects of the hurricane on animals’ mental and physical well-being.

Beyond providing veterinary care and shelter, the JSPCA works closely with farmers, pet owners, and partner agencies to address both the physical and emotional needs of animals affected by disasters.

The organisation evacuated animals from its Catherine Hall, Montego Bay facility, moving them to Kingston ahead of the storm. The Montego Bay location suffered extensive damage.

“I am tearing my hair out because I don’t know how viable our facility will be there,” Lawson said. “We have cleaned up but there is no light, so how do you keep your drugs cool? It is very difficult and therefore not functional.”

On the cost of repair, Lawson said: “I haven’t put a figure to it. If we were to try and think about it, we would have to look at what options are available to us, because one has to be prepared for future situations. There is a lot to consider, so there is assessment to make.”

Lawson, however, noted that displaced animals remain a major concern. “There were displaced animals in the entire region, but definitely in Montego Bay we would get pictures and messages of the grave effects of Hurricane Melissa on the animals. We have been doing weekly clinics in different communities like Hanover, Westmoreland, St James, and we see the needs,” she said.

tiffany.pryce@gleanerjm.com