Freelance Contributor
Animal rights activists are intensifying calls for stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws following a disturbing incident in Freeport that has sparked widespread public outrage.
A 30-member delegation held a candlelight vigil on Saturday at Tewari Circular South, Freeport. The gathering was staged to highlight ongoing concerns about animal abuse and to demand justice for a German Shepherd named Whiskey, which the group believes was deliberately run over by a motorist earlier this month.
Spokesperson Rachel Mohammed said the group’s conclusion is based on video footage it obtained, which allegedly shows a pick-up truck striking the animal.
“We believe this was not an accident,” she said, adding that activists are urging authorities to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness.
Whiskey belonged to 70-year-old Latchman Moonoo and his wife, Rodha. According to a family spokesperson, the dog had been part of the household for 11 years and was deeply cherished by the couple, their son, and grandchildren.
The spokesperson said Whiskey was usually kept tied on the family’s unfenced property. However, in recent times the dog developed hip problems and had difficulty walking, which meant it was not always restrained.
The matter has been reported to police and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, which recently established an animal cruelty hotline in response to threats against animals at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary site.
Despite these measures, the family says it is still awaiting a response from both agencies. Activists argue that the lack of timely action underscores the need for stronger enforcement and greater accountability in animal cruelty cases.
The vigil ended with renewed calls for justice for Whiskey and a broader appeal for authorities to ensure that laws designed to protect animals are not only in place, but actively enforced.
