WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO?

Share This:

​Animal cruelty is the abuse toward or neglect of an animal. It happens to all different types of animals and in every corner of the world. It is also preventable and unnecessary. In Trinidad and Tobago there are laws to protect our furry pals with stiff (appropriate) penalties. 

Animal cruelty is against the law in T&T

​According to the Summary Offences Act (as amended by Act No. 10 of 2020):

"79. (1) Any person who cruelly beats, ill-treats, starves, overdrives, overrides, overloads, abuses, tortures, or otherwise maltreats any animal is liable to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000TT) and to imprisonment for a term of one year.

(2) An animal shall be deemed to be overloaded if it is made to carry a burden or draw a load which is beyond its strength, or after it is exhausted, or if by reason of the size, strength, or condition of the animal or of any other circumstances the Magistrate is of opinion that the burden or load is unduly heavy.

​(3) An animal used in drawing a vehicle shall be deemed to be ill-treated if, by reason of the condition of the vehicle or harness used, or of the nature and condition of the road travelled over, or other cause, the animal, in the opinion of the Magistrate, has been made to suffer unnecessary strain or pain or has been overworked."

Working an animal that is unfit for work is also illegal in T&T

According to the Summary Offences Act (as amended by Act No. 10 of 2020):

​"80. Any person who works any animal in such a condition as to be unfit for work, whether from lameness or from emaciation or from any gall or sore or otherwise, and whether that condition is caused by disease or deficient feeding or otherwise, in any cart, plough, or carriage, or other vehicle of pleasure or burden, is liable to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000TT) and to imprisonment for a term of one year."

Additionally, section 81 of the Act gives police or the owner of the animal, the power to arrest persons for such cruelty to animals. It states: 

"81. (1) A constable or the owner of any animal in whose view an offence under either section 79 or 80 is committed may apprehend the offender and take him before a Magistrate or Justice to be dealt with according to law.

(2) Such constable or owner may similarly apprehend the offender if information of the offence is given by any other person declaring his name and place of abode."​

Cockfighting, bull-baiting, dog fighting and other similar offences are also illegal in T&T

According to the Summary Offences Act (as amended by Act No. 10 of 2020):

"83. (1) Any person who--
(a) in any manner encourages, aids, or assists at the fighting or baiting of any animal, whether domestic or wild; or
(b) keeps or uses or acts in the management of any place to be used for the purpose of fighting or baiting any such animal; or
​(c) being the owner or occupier of any place, permits or suffers it to be so used, is liable to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000TT) and to imprisonment for a term of one year."

Important Notice: This post does not constitute or provide legal advice. Always consult with a suitably qualified attorney-at-law on any legal problem or issue.

Law For All is managed by the Aurora Chambers Legal Practice.

Receive updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter.