The Department of Agriculture met with licensed dog trappers on May 27, 2026 to address the growing stray dog issue across the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially on Providenciales.
Trappers reported major operational setbacks, including people damaging, stealing, or opening traps to release captured animals. These actions waste fuel and time while destroying expensive government equipment imported into the islands. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister responsible for Agriculture, praised the licensed trappers for their work and warned that roaming dogs cannot become normal in public spaces. The department cautioned that tampering with traps is an offence that can lead to prosecution, while urging owners to keep dogs secured, registered, and sterilised as required by law.
Looking ahead, the department is preparing to engage veterinary professionals equipped to run community-based spay and neuter programmes to curb uncontrolled breeding across the islands.