The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard intercepted a pirogue off the coast of Chaguaramas around 6:37am on Saturday, 31st August, with one (1) Trinidadian national and five (5) Venezuelan nationals found aboard, in addition to sixteen (16) animals.
Officers of the TT Coast Guard made contact with officers of the Customs and Excise Marine Interdiction Unit, who proceeded to alert the Airport Rostered Veterinarian and the Senior Veterinary Officer.
Once the vessel was docked at Coast Guard facilities in Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, all animals aboard were removed and humanely euthanized.
These included thirteen (13) sheep, two (2) dogs and one (1) chicken.
Decontamination and disposal of the euthanized animals was completed by Sanitec Limited, which included transportation of the carcasses, incineration and disinfection of the premises.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries continues its collaborative efforts to ensure the health and safety of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the safety of the country’s Agricultural industry.