Animal rights group Be Their Voice Inc., will have to wait a bit longer in their efforts to gain the justice they believe Sparky, a dog who was drowned by its owner, deserves.
On Monday, head of the organisation Lavern Beresford told Barbados TODAY that after several court hearings, the group was no closer to reaching its goal of having Sparky’s owner face a heavier penalty for his actions. The latest delay has seen the case adjourned to February 5.
In 2022, Davino Shakell Howard was charged after a video of him allegedly drowning his dog, Sparky, at Pebbles Beach, went viral on social media. The then 28-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty, failing to license a dog, and withholding information. He was sentenced to 12 months probation and mandated counselling.
Be Their Voice subsequently requested a judicial review on the premise that the punishment did not match the severity of the crime.
Attorney-at-law Lalu Hanuman is representing the animal rights group.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Howard could have faced up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $1 000. However, the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Act, which was introduced in 2023, increased penalties to up to two years in prison or a fine of $100 000.
Following a hearing on Monday, Lavern said: “The court process has been extremely time-consuming, protracted and frustrating. Following multiple court hearings, the court has now ordered Be Their Voice Inc., the claimant, to present written submissions by February 3, to justify our public interest grounds in challenging the non-sentence of Mr Howard. This could have been done at an initial hearing, along with other submission requests.
“I emphasise the fact that to date, there have been no fines nor imprisonment for animal abuse, despite the almost 18-year-old existing legislation. It appears that we are being asked for information at each individual hearing, instead of collectively, which is prolonging the matter. At this rate, I am bewildered if or when a conclusion will ever be reached.”
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