(CMR) The Department of Agriculture (DOA) said actions have been taken after several of its officers were threatened while carrying out their duties.
The DOA said in recent months, Animal Welfare & Control Officers and other public service members have received numerous threats to cause harm and injury as a result of the performance of their duties.
Threats to safety are a serious offense in the Cayman Islands, more so against any persons employed in public service, in the Penal Code (2022 Revision).
The public is advised to respect the roles of The Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare and Control Officers, staff members, and management, as the department has a zero-tolerance approach to any threat made to their staff, and all threats will be reported to the RCIPS and investigated.
“Threats to a Public Officer are a serious offense, and we as an organization take this extremely seriously. Our Animal Welfare and Control Officer(s) risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of the animals and the community,” Mr. Adrian Estwick, Director of Agriculture, said.
“The Department of Agriculture would like to express its gratitude to persons in the community and other law enforcement agencies for their continued support in the collaborative effort to ensure the safety of our officers, staff, animals and community.”
As stated in part IX, sections 84 to 88, Animal Welfare Officers have the power to enforce animal welfare and to investigate and prosecute offenders for animal cruelty offenses with the same rights and immunities as RCIPS Constables.
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