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Report Animal Abuse in Barbados

Complete our Animal Abuse Form.               Found Here
 

This website is volunteer-run. The form is used to document animal cruelty in Barbados, but it does not dispatch a rescue team. If an animal is in immediate need, please also follow the guidance below and report to the following authorities.

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RSPCA Barbados - DOGS & CATS
✉ barbadosrspca@gmail.com
☎ +1 (246) 426-3077

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Animal Control Centre (Barbados) - DOGS ONLY
☎ +1 (246) 536-3162
☎ +1 (246) 536-3163
☎ +1 (246) 826-9576
✉ animal.control@health.gov.bb
✉ Allison.Caddle@health.gov.bb

 

Ministry of Health - DOGS & CATS 
✉ info@health.gov.bb
☎ +1 (246) 536-4169

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Crime Stoppers Barbados (confidential) - ANY CRIME
⌂ crimestoppersbarbados.com/contact-us/
☎ +1 (246) 243-5917
☎ Tip Hotline: 1-800-TIPS (8477)
✉ programmedirector@crimestoppersbarbados.com

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Ministry of Agriculture; Veterinary Services - LIVESTOCK ONLY
✉ vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb
✉ MTrotman@agriculture.gov.bb
☎ +1 (246) 535-0223 / 535-0228
✉ Permanent Secretary: ps@agriculture.gov.bb
 

Please report as much information and evidence as possible, including:

  • name of owner, if known

  • name of abuser, if known

  • exact location

  • dates and times

  • photos or videos

  • specific observations

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Important: If you do not include an email address, phone number, WhatsApp number, or exact location, we may be unable to follow up on your report. If it is safe, a calm and respectful conversation with an owner can sometimes help.

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Important Note

We regularly receive reports of dogs being tethered, confined in cages, or kept in conditions that many people would consider cruel. Unfortunately, some of these situations are not clearly illegal under Barbados law, or may not be treated with urgency by the authorities. That is why your voice matters. Detailed reports, photos, videos, and public pressure can help bring attention to these animals and create the pressure needed for action and change. Please follow the steps below and report as much detail as possible.

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The Current Situation in Barbados

Animal welfare responsibilities in Barbados are fragmented.

  • Animal Control Centre operates under the Ministry of Health and primarily handles dogs and licensing enforcement.

  • Ministry of Agriculture; Veterinary Services oversees livestock.

  • The RSPCA is a charitable organization with limited staffing and has historically handled cruelty and neglect complaints, though its current enforcement scope is not always clear.

  • Many welfare efforts rely heavily on volunteers, independent rescuers, and nonprofit groups such as Ocean Acres and The Ark.

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Why Your Voice Matters

Animal charities cannot remove animals or prosecute abusers.

Only the RSPCA and Animal Control have legal authority, and both are overwhelmed.

Shelter space is limited, and healthy dogs are euthanized every week in Barbados.

There is no meaningful government funding dedicated to animal welfare enforcement.

Real change depends on advocacy and public pressure; especially from concerned residents and visitors.

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A Note on Public Visibility

We want to be transparent. Private emails and formal complaints alone often result in little action. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to:

  • comment publicly on Barbados tourism and government social media pages

  • email the below contacts

  • share your experience factually and calmly

  • include photos or videos, if available

  • tag the Ministry of Tourism and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

 

Barbados is highly sensitive to its international reputation. Public awareness; particularly from visitors; can be far more impactful than private correspondence.

 

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley
✉ mia.amor.mottley@barbados.gov.bb

 

Ministry of Tourism & International Transport
✉ ps@tourism.gov.bb
☎ +1 (246) 535-7500

 

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
✉ btmiinfo@visitbarbados.org
☎ +1 (246) 535-3700

 

If you are staying at a hotel or resort, please also inform management. Tourism carries influence, and complaints from visitors can sometimes prompt faster response.

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Animal Welfare Law

Animal cruelty in Barbados is addressed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, CAP 144A, which covers offences including ill-treatment, unnecessary suffering, and animal fighting. Although the law exists, enforcement is often limited in practice, and many cases do not receive the urgency people expect. For that reason, detailed reporting, strong documentation, and public visibility can be especially important. You can review the law here.

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