VSPCA helps but is not a shelter for neglected animals, says president

The president of the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), Jhanice Nelson, is reminding members of the public that the organisation is not an animal shelter and is therefore unable to accept animals that owners no longer wish to keep, or stray animals that are found throughout communities.

The VSPCA, a non-profit organisation, works to improve animal welfare in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) through rescue efforts, spay and neuter programmes, adoptions, and public awareness initiatives. However, Nelson said there remains a common misconception among some members of the public that the organisation operates as a shelter for abandoned animals.

Speaking on the matter in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT on Thursday June 4, 2026, Nelson explained that the organisation continues to receive numerous calls regarding animals that have been abandoned in communities across the country and around businesses places, particularly in and around Kingstown.

While acknowledging that the organisation appreciates being informed about cases involving animal welfare, Nelson stressed that the VSPCA simply does not have the capacity to house animals on a long-term basis.

“We just wanted to reach out to the public again to explain that we do, appreciate people calling and letting us know what is happening in the community in regards to animal welfare; however, we don’t have the resources or finances to even start a shelter,” Nelson noted. She recalled that during and after the eruption of La Soufrière volcano, the organisation became heavily involved in rescuing and assisting animals that were affected by the disaster,and believes that these efforts may have contributed to some people mistakenly assuming that the VSPCA functions as a shelter. As a result, she said there have been instances where people have taken animals directly to the organisation’s premises expecting that they would be accommodated and cared for. Nelson is appealing to the public to stop engaging in this practice, noting that the organisation does not have the facilities or resources necessary to house animals left in its care.

She also expressed concern about irresponsible pet ownership, stating that some individuals acquire more animals than they are able to properly care for.

“People cannot have more than what they can serve…they have all these dogs which they can’t take off and once the dog starts having bad skins they abandon them.” Nelson emphasized that pet owners must take responsibility for the animals they own and ensure they are provided with adequate care throughout their lives. She is urging members of the public not to leave animals at the VSPCA clinic or premises under the assumption that they will automatically be accommodated by the organisation.

The VSPCA president is also calling on businesses and the government to assist with funding, noting that the organisation operates as a non-profit and relies heavily on support from the public and donors to continue its work in animal welfare.

Despite the challenges, Nelson announced that the new VSPCA Small Animal Spay and Neuter Health and Wellness Clinic is expected to open in October, 2026.

Additionally, the VSPCA is encouraging persons who may be interested in fostering animals to get in contact with the organisation. Individuals can connect with the VSPCA, learn more about its ongoing animal welfare initiatives, or find out how they can assist by visiting the organisation’s Facebook page or by sending an email to admin@vincentianspca.org. Or (784) 532-9327.