Responsible animal husbandry: A wake-up call for the Seychelles

Responsible pet ownership is the absolute foundation of animal welfare - If we cannot commit to the lifelong care, financial cost, and time a pet requires, it is far better not to take them home in the first place.

The striking reality of 500+ rescue dogs crammed into shelters like Pet Haven (350) and the SSPCA (150+) underscores a critical breaking point for animal welfare in Seychelles.

This staggering number of "unwanted animals" in a small island nation proves that the current approach to pet ownership is unsustainable without immediate, systemic intervention.

Such was the eye-opening conversation the First Lady, Veronique Herminie had with the leadership team of the Seychelles Pet Haven Society (SPHS) as she welcomed their courtesy visit to her office yesterday afternoon.

The discussion shone a much-needed spotlight on the vulnerable stray and domestic animal population across the islands.

Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Pet Haven Seychelles work entirely on a no-kill philosophy to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome neglected animals.

Sadly a society's maturity can be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable creatures and we can do better.

Source: Office of the First Lady of Seychelles (facebook)

In the photo, from left to right: Duniam Sinon, Veronique Herminie, Julia, Sheila Sicobo