Animal rescuer Clifford Tardieu has called for the creation of a cat sanctuary in central Trinidad to urgently deal with the growing stray cat population, particularly at Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Pet owners have been dumping cats at the Caroni site, prompting concerns over the impact on animal life in the swamp, and for the animal’s welfare.
Tardieu, who runs a Kittens and Puppy Sanctuary in Valencia, told 103.1FM the issue has social implications, warning that mistreatment of animals can have a negative psychological impact on society, particularly on young people.
He said that while the issue is not the country’s most critical problem, it contributes to desensitization and requires intervention.
Focusing on solutions, Tardieu said the three main approaches to managing the problem are relocation, euthanization, and large-scale sterilization.
He argued that nationwide sterilization is the most sustainable long-term solution.
Drawing on his experience of running a sanctuary, which houses over 250 cats and dozens of dogs, he said that large-scale care is possible with proper organization and volunteer support.
In that light, Tardieu proposed the creation of a centralized cat sanctuary near Caroni, where the animals can be housed, treated and sterilized, rather than abandoned and killed.
Tardieu said the government can play a role by providing the land at Caroni, and incentives and security.
He added that without a structured intervention, the stray population at Caroni will continue to grow unchecked.
Tardieu also acknowledged resistance to the idea but maintained that a collaborative approach, supported by government incentives and community involvement offers the most realistic pathway forward.
