$10M animal shelter launched Pledge made to stamp out pit bull fighting Stabroek News October 12, 2000 The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) is moving to stamp out pit bull fighting, a new sport introduced to the Guyanese public, according to President of the association, Dr Steve Surujbally. Dr Surujbally described the new sport as a "menace" and said he hopes that with the help of the police the association would be able to rid Guyana of the scourge. The veterinarian was at the time speaking at the opening of the spanking new blue and white Animal Clinic and Shelter located at the corner of Robb Street and Orange Walk on Tuesday afternoon. He said that the law allowing pit bulls into Guyana needed to be revised since these animals were bred to be savage. The association, which was unofficially formed in 1936, is managed by a group of volunteers. It became the GSPCA in 1973 and before that fell under the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is a self-sustaining association although it receives a subvention from the Government of Guyana. The brand new $10 million clinic was built in keeping with the association's mandate to provide care and treatment to animals within the context of its mission statement--to promote kindness towards animals while alleviating their suffering. The new Animal Clinic and Shelter boasts 29 kennels, two consultation rooms, a surgery, a recovery room and an Intensive Care Unit. It also houses a large waiting room, a reception/office and the caretaker's quarters. The new structure was made possible by a $5 million donation from the Government of Guyana through monies collected from the Guyana Lottery Company. The association had approached then president and patroness of the society, Janet Jagan, and according to Dr Surujbally they were pleased with the alacrity with which she agreed to part-fund the building with the lotto funds. Mrs Jagan delivered the feature address at the opening on Tuesday. The executive of the GSPCA then raised the remaining sum from fund-raising activities. Beepat & Sons constructed the entire eight-foot concrete wall around the shelter. The continued use of the site was made possible through the generosity of the Diocese of Guyana which has jurisdiction over the land. Dr Surujbally disclosed that the association was working on opening branches in other parts of the country and said that animal lovers could form their own groups under the name of the association in their villages. He said that the association was in need of inspectors to traverse the streets since at present it only had one. The GSPCA hopes to attract retired personnel of the disciplined services for this purpose. In her presentation Mrs Jagan noted that even though the environment might be difficult at times, she believed it was a pleasant spot as it is accessible to people. She said she was impressed by all the volunteers who gave of their time and energy to protect animals. (Samantha Alleyne) Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today