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Josiah’s Bay resident: ‘I don’t want any animal shelter next to me’

- Humane Society of the BVI seeks $150K to build @ Josiah’s Bay following an eviction notice
The proposed animal shelter for Josiah's Bay, Tortola. Photo: Humane Society of the BVI
The Humane Society of the BVI has received an eviction notice to remove from the rented space in Johnson's Ghut before the end of 2019. Photo: VINO/File
The Humane Society of the BVI has received an eviction notice to remove from the rented space in Johnson's Ghut before the end of 2019. Photo: VINO/File
The Humane Society of the BVI was opened 44 years ago and on any given day, has more than 70 dogs and 20 cats at the facility. Photo: VINO
The Humane Society of the BVI was opened 44 years ago and on any given day, has more than 70 dogs and 20 cats at the facility. Photo: VINO
JOSIAH'S BAY, Tortola, VI- A Josiah’s Bay resident is mulling initiating a petition to prevent the Humane Society of the BVI from moving next door.

The Humane Society is planning to move to a plot of land in Josiah's Bay, Tortola, before the end of 2019 after receiving an eviction notice from the owners of their rented home in Johnson’s Ghut.

With the looming deadline to relocate, the Society is seeking to raise $500,000 through a Go Fund Me account that started two days ago.

“Why are they trying to put an animal shelter in Josiah’s Bay? Because someone owns a piece of land, they can do whatever they want? I wish I know of anyone person that would like an animal shelter next to their property. There is always noise,” the resident blogger said on an online media platform.

The resident continued, “I think we need to start a petition and get the residents of Josiah’s [Bay] involved. I do not want an animal shelter next to me in Josiah’s Bay.”

The resident pointed out that the location is simply not ideal.

“There are two chicken farms in Josiah’s Bay, and they are away from other residents, so the smell is what use to affect the surrounding homes, but that has been taken care of almost 100 per cent. That piece of land that the Humane Society owns [is] next to the pond and should not be used for an animal shelter.”

Another resident of Josiah’s Bay also weighed in on the animal shelter moving to the community.

“I am also an animal lover, but I would never want, and animal shelter in my backyard and none of the folks who operate the shelter want one either.”

The resident blogger continued, “Why are you putting a shelter like that next to the guy’s property? With all those barking dogs who wants to live next to one? As I said, none of these folks wants one next to them.”

Money being raised

The shelter was opened 44 years ago and on any given day, has more than 70 dogs and 20 cats at the facility.

"The Humane Society receives zero government funding and survives purely on private donations. Unfortunately, we are now in jeopardy of closing our doors. The shelter is currently in a rented location and the landowners have given notice that the shelter must vacate the premises before the end of 2019," the Go Fund Me account stated.

It also said the Humane Society has been working on a plan to build a new shelter for many years and it has purchased its own plot of land and a large steel frame building to establish a new shelter.

"However, we are now in critical need of donations to fund the erection of the building on our own land and to finish the construction; foundation, framing, plumbing, electrics, cages etc. Our situation is desperate; we must raise $500,000 to build the new shelter in order to continue providing care and shelter for the hundreds of unwanted animals on the island in need our assistance.  If we do not raise enough funds to build a new shelter, the Humane Society of the BVI will be forced to close."

Since the Go Fund Me account started, the sum of $2,695 has been raised.

The Society said any donations would assist in the “future happiness and welfare of so many animals.”

See link to Go Fund Me account:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/humane-society-bvi-has-to-relocate-urgently

Address road condition

Meanwhile, one of the Josiah's Bay residents said the government needs to address the road condition in the area.

“The road to that location needs to be widened to accommodate the traffic. Presently the road is too narrow in Josiah’s Bay to handle more traffic. It is by the mercy of the most high that there isn’t any fatality as yet, but with more traffic, it is going to happen.”

32 Responses to “Josiah’s Bay resident: ‘I don’t want any animal shelter next to me’”

  • NEED NO VISA (31/10/2019, 08:00) Like (6) Dislike (31) Reply
    CLOSE IT DOWN AND SEND THE ANIMALS TO THE USA FOR ADAPTION
    • Problem solver (31/10/2019, 09:46) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
      We can't dump our problems on others. What do you think we should offer the USA in return?
    • True (31/10/2019, 10:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      there are no BORG in this universe reality.......YET
    • Peaches (31/10/2019, 10:52) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
      They don't need to close it down. They just need to find a PROPER place for the shelter. We need dogs in the Territory. However, things must be done in the right way. Too much underhandedness going on in this country!
      • NezRez (01/11/2019, 00:54) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
        WAIT! They are talking about building this shelter directly next door to this mans property. They share a fence. Are they crazy? I don't care how long ago they brought the property, this is outlandish! Others live right in the direct vicinity of this property too. The shelter says they must be out by the end of the year, but they need a property away from direct residential areas. What on earth were they thinking? Town and country planning has to step in. I am quite sure these shelter operators do not live next door to this upcoming unwanted noise, smell, no room on our small road for parking, upsetting everyone who lives there. This can only lead to very bad blood and risk the safety of these animals. This would be a living hell. None of the residents will be quiet on this one for sure. Not only that, the pond is a Ecosystem, which has many living things in it. I am quite sure they will be washing their filth into the pond no matter what they say. Conservation and fisheries must also step in. They seem to only care about their dogs and cats and not about people or nature, which is much more important.
    • usa (31/10/2019, 12:40) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      Believe me, they are sending as many as they possibly can. Logistics of sending animals off-island are difficult. Only puppies can be sent as carry-ons and each one needs an escort. The solution is to start spaying and neutering and the overpopulation problem would go away in a generation.
    • usa (31/10/2019, 16:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      HOLD YOUR DOGS, I HAVE ENOUGH!!!

      If you allow the Humane Society to close down the Animal Shelter, they will be force to LOOSE all of the animals. Or you can Adopt them all, Your choose.

      DON’T INVOLVE ME
      • .... (31/10/2019, 20:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        Who land it for? Who have the say? This is an example of why the BVI will never get no where?!! Boyyy i would let these animals free and have them shit up ayo yard!
  • Greg (31/10/2019, 08:29) Like (14) Dislike (19) Reply
    Where is the PROTEST petition to sign to stop this shelter from coming to our small community. I will sign it ASAP. Where is the meeting being held for us to come to PROTEST ASAP? We are a small community with our houses side by side and leading to the beach. This animal shelter is NOT for our community. People cannot just set up noise, stench and filth just because they want to, without asking the direct residents how they feel about it. The one's who work there don't live here directly next to it. The pond is a serene setting with many birds and fish living here. We catch our dinner from the pond. The waste material will be draining into the pond, HELL NO! Let's get a meeting at the location ASAP. The person who informed us, since it is his property, they will be right next to, needs to call a community meeting ASAP! I will be there, I promise. This area does NOT want any noisy, stinking shelter here. We must stand up and fight for our rights to live in serenity, peace and quiet as we now do. The pond at a certain time of year stinks on it's own when the fish die due to lack of oxygen, but then the smell goes away. We expect that. How would anyone feel with this upcoming horror and stench everyday all day and night?. A shelter should be well placed away from people's personal homes. It will be the same as living next to a very noisy pig sty. I say No No No Hell No! I live right across from this and we have tourists, which is our main income and also working people who have to get a good nights sleep to go to work the next day. Protest Meeting ASAP!
    • Curious (31/10/2019, 12:44) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
      What food comes from the pond, Greg? Specifically the one at Josiah's Bay? I hope that is not what you are cooking.

      Obviously, the shelter has permission to build. But where else do you think they should put the shelter? And would you consider donating to make it happen?
      • Greg (31/10/2019, 15:05) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
        @curious..put it in your yard. The pond has bass, crabs, mullets, snooks and sometimes shrimp. You wouldn’t know that because you don’t have generations of your family living here, so shut your pie hole. Always outsiders trying to tell us what we want in our communities. Put it in your community si cue you love them so much. Enjoy the noise and stench that goes with it. Yes, if they move it somewhere else, I will be glad to donate. Does that answer your smart behind questions?
  • True (31/10/2019, 10:24) Like (19) Dislike (31) Reply
    here is something no one wants to talk about, this shelter is run by expats and mainly funded by expats but the reality is that its expat that use it and they are the ones that create the problems by leaving their animals behind. There is no need for this size of place.
    • Really? (31/10/2019, 11:36) Like (24) Dislike (2) Reply
      Do you honestly think that the shelter is for animals abandoned by expats and not the unwanted litters of dogs and cats that are not fixed? My dog was one of 4 abandoned puppies in a dumpster. How is this caused by expats? Its for everyone. All communities have a shelter as animal abuse is a sad but real issue everywhere. I am sorry for the persons who are against this move and sympathise but was not the purpose of the land use stated when the land was sold?
    • lols (31/10/2019, 11:45) Like (17) Dislike (5) Reply
      Ex-pats certainly abandon animals. But you cannot seriously say that BVIslanders do not abandon and abuse animals either (given dog and cock fighting are proud cultural traditions, given the weird desire to bring back the Dolphin prison, given what happens to the "beloved" racing horses when they get old). It would be great if BVIslanders were the driving force behind the Shelter but animal welfare seems to be an alien concept to many here.
    • Yea expat you say. (01/11/2019, 18:04) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Listen my neighbor have a lot of cats and I am an expat and have been feeding them for years and still do. I have taken care of a lot of dogs also and was assisted with feed by expat , the amount of animal that the animal shelter take care of is assisted by expat and I can tell you we need the animal shelter so please if.you don't want it close to you maybe you can assist in providing a piece of land i that is convenient and wouldn't be a bother for no one. Thank you.
  • Callaloo (31/10/2019, 10:24) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Evidently and sadly,there are no zoning laws in the VI, Chaos and randomness abounds. Add the non enforcement of laws ,rules and regulations, just a matter of timr before total collapse and anarchy amid a climate fraught with anger and resentments.
  • $$$$$! (31/10/2019, 11:00) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    Protest all you want. The shelter will get build. And to you that are SAYING, send the animals to America for Adoption, what you need to do is pay America back the thousands of dollars most of you owe for medical services you recieve in America and ran off without paying such bill.
  • ... (31/10/2019, 12:15) Like (2) Dislike (19) Reply
    a bunch of white and guynanaies making life better for animals a lol
  • deal (31/10/2019, 12:34) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    NO DOLPHINS NO DOGS/CATS
  • The reason (31/10/2019, 14:49) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    The majority of you that is suffering in the BVI is because of the cruelity you display towards the innocent animals on the Island. And you will continue to suffer. One set of cruel inhumane lot of you. No one from the outside wants to be bothered with you silly people.
  • waste (31/10/2019, 15:20) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    You build, you will be wasting your money. It’s now the trouble will start since you live so snuggly in your separate neighborhoods away from this mess. This is not Trumps territory where people feel they are entitled to everything. This is an island of families who will not tolerate everything you put on a garbage can lid and want to serve us with it.What goes up must come down. Don’t ask me what I mean, you are smart enough...right? I totally agree with Greg, let’s have OUR meeting.
  • what (31/10/2019, 15:30) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply

    Animal shelter in my back yard. No way that during my lifetime. Why they don't take it next to one of the board members property??. Did town and country planning really approved this. Listen up residents of josiahs bay we cannot allow this to happen.we need to meet with the property owner next to it and find a way to stop this from happening. What craziness am i really hearing here. It does not mattet what building they build it is still going to be dogs barking all night.listen to the noise coming from the dozen or more dogs that superintendent have at her home disturbing the neighborhood all hours of the night.she do not concern about the others around who have to go to work at certain time. Sometimes her dogs bark for half an hour or more .they barked at everything even if the wind blows to hard.please we do not want an animal shelter in josiahs bay

  • concern (31/10/2019, 15:34) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is for the REASON: we are animal lovers to but would you want a sheltet next to you?? I do not want any.and what people suffering have to do with the fact that we do not want an animal shelter next to us??
  • Road Engineer (31/10/2019, 19:42) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    The BVI is a small locale (59 square miles) and is experiencing many of the challenges face by small locales. In larger countries, there are zoning laws that specifies what facilities can be constructed and operated where. For example, bars have to be certain distance from schools and churches. Further, there are specific restrictions on what can be in residential neighborhoods. However, the BVI due to its small size may not be able to have such strict zoning laws. In the BVI, you may see bars, restaurants, mechanic shops, churches.......etc in a residential neighborhood. Having an animal care facility in the middle of a residential neighborhood is not an ideal mix; they may not be good neighbors. The BVI must strike a balance on zoning laws. The Humane Society is being kicked out of its current home and needs a home for the dogs and cats. What happens if no home is available by the end of 2019? Does it just open the doors and let the animals loose? How about building a facility on an uninhabited island, ie, Salt Island, Ginger Island, Round Rock.......etc?
  • Waiiittt (31/10/2019, 19:53) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ya’ll serious? I swear the BVI well the ppl aint shit!!!!!!!! Ya’ll on here going on about a animal shelter? Set the animal free!!! Let them $@): in some of them yard!!! Set $@$(@!!! &@&(()
  • warning (01/11/2019, 02:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have known of several animals that were poisoned down in Josiah's Bay. Be careful BVI Society, some ppl are malicious and as you read some of the post already, the unhappy ones could make things messy for you.
    • Fran (01/11/2019, 09:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ warning. I totally agree with you. This location was not thought through. Unhappy people will set poison and gasoline fires to destroy this place. The shelter should be put on a small uninhabited rock like The Last Resort across from Trellis Bay, or somewhere like that where they are not directly taking away peoples peace and serenity. And I agree with people saying, would they want this right next to their home?
  • Traveler (01/11/2019, 02:42) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Ni&&@r$ have a problem with everything. But no solutions.
  • Fran (01/11/2019, 15:02) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    @Traveler...NI&&@ar$ like you are the problem. What is your solution? Oh yeah..ASK YOUR M**DA!

  • Butchie (01/11/2019, 15:11) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Build it next to the HM Prison. No environmental issues, no noise issues and opportunity for reform of prison inmates who take care of animals.
  • Romano (02/11/2019, 05:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are many Chinese restaurants in the bvi just sell them the dogs and use that money to help build that's one way of raising some funds
    • Jane (04/11/2019, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What a horrible racist slur Romano. Imagine that outcry if someone said that about BVIslanders?


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