Animal Advocates Demand Action as Abuse Continues Across Belize

Residents and animal volunteers across Belize are speaking out in frustration as cases of animal abuse continue unabated. From horses collapsing on city streets to dogs being harmed at football matches, advocates say the suffering unfolds in plain sight while authorities fail to act.

In a joint statement released Monday, the Belize Human Societies and Animal Volunteer Organisations said they are “mourning abused, neglected, and abandoned animals left to suffer in plain sight.”

The statement brought attention to cases like Wannie, a horse attacked in April, and others found injured or collapsing on city streets. The groups criticised authorities for failing to act despite repeated reports. “Despite repeated public outcry and multiple attempts by our organisations to engage peacefully and constructively with relevant authorities, including representatives of city/town councils and the Belize Tourism Board, the outcome has been the same: promises made, commitments implied, and no meaningful action taken,” the joint statement read.

Volunteers warn weak laws and poor enforcement allow cruelty to continue. Michelle Rudon of the Society for the Promotion of Animal Rescue and Kindness said on Monday that it is time to remove horses from Belize City. Meanwhile, volunteer Georgia Aranda-Lewis added, “At this point I don’t know what else we can do for it to stop. I have complained to the City Council and the police department, and nothing is being done. And it has to stop at some point. It is too much.”

The statement calls on the government, law enforcement, and relevant authorities to enforce existing laws, investigate abuse, hold offenders accountable, and protect volunteers and whistleblowers.