Nevis Humane Society

 Donkey Sanctuary in Nevis?

We would like the government to donate appropriate land for a donkey sanctuary and plan to approach them concerning this. We were extremely grateful to receive our first donation toward a donkey sanctuary.

Problems of free roaming Donkeys.
a.  Damage to farmer’s vegetable gardens, individual’s personal gardens, Four Seasons golf course and the gardens of various inns on the island.
b.  Possible injury to passengers in vehicles and vehicle damage-as   donkeys are active at night.
Donkeys are part of the cultural heritage of Nevis and have served as transportation and for hauling a farmer’s crops for a very long time.

The automobile has replaced the need for donkeys in the last ten years, and many have been left abandoned. They fall victim to fighting dogs and are often hit by vehicles. Many have been sold to the Vet School in St Kitts to be used as operating specimens.

Tourists, naturally attracted to them are concerned about their poor treatment and lack of care.

SOLUTIONS

Providing a use for the donkeys:
Developing a sanctuary where they can be come a tourist  attraction as they have elsewhere [in Bonaire for example]

This could provide not only a tourist attraction but also additional jobs for Nevisians, i.e. Taxi drivers, and future caretakers for the animals.
The manure could be offered or sold to the farmers as fertilizer. The population would be controlled by neutering the male donkeys.
The herd would be contained eliminating damage done to crops and eliminate auto accidents caused by them on the roads.

MEANS:
1.Involving the Government, commercial establishments and the community, solving the problem in a humane manner.
2. Involving the Nevis Humane Society, which just received its first large donation for a donkey sanctuary earmarked to help provide funds in its establishment under the Humane Society
3.Involving the Donkey Sanctuary in Bonaire and England to provide knowledge, and guidance.. They will help with funding once the government has set aside land.

We have approached and visited the largest Donkey Sanctuary in the world located in the UK AND WERE EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE AMAZING AMOUNT OF VISITORS THEY ATTRACTED. THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN NEVIS.

We have talked to hotels, Inns and people in the community on the island and they are very interested.

The government seems to be making some moves towards promoting the island for eco-tourism.  Tourism is the main income for the island and the overall make up of the island lends itself to ecotourism. While government’s purse strings are pulled in many directions, it has land, which they could donate for such a program. Funding would be needed for fencing, staff to care for them, etc. Many of the tourists, and expat community are on this island because it is not largely developed and because they love nature and animals.

Anyone interested in this project please email brbpip@aol.com or contact our Society/ or give a donation to the Nevis Humane Society with notation that it is to be applied to the Donkey Sanctuary on Nevis

We recently returned from a vacation to St. Kitts.  We were excited to visit, partly because it’s advertised as animal- and earth-friendly.  Like many visitors, we were in awe of the natural beauty, the culture and the warm, friendly people we met.  But one thing marred the great beauty of the island and the memories of our experience: on a Southeast Peninsula beach, we witnessed a baby Vervet monkey on a heavy chain with an iron clamp around its waist being dragged around by a local man.  The man tossed the baby monkey into a strange troop of monkeys and it endured a vicious attack.  When some caring people heard the monkeys screaming, they stepped in to stop the attack.

With the scientific evidence linking cruelty to animals to other crime and cruelty towards human beings, no one can afford to tolerate such practices.  We reported the cruel attack on the baby monkey to local police, and consulted with a local vet as well.  We are hopeful that the culprit can be found and the baby placed with a caring wildlife rehabilitator for recovery.  Anyone who witnessed the event or has seen this chained monkey can help by notifying local authorities, or contact us directly.

We encourage tourists to avoid facilities and vendors who engage in cruel practices and all who witness animal suffering to report it to the local police.  With so much to offer, the community cannot afford to let animal cruelty be the memory that visitors take home.

Scott and Gayle Carda
1-503-312-5357
scottgaylec@msn.com