The Humane Society of St. Thomas says it will significantly reduce animal control, intake, and high-volume spay and neuter services beginning today because the Government of the Virgin Islands has not paid $181,250 currently owed to the organization.
In a notice to the public, HSSTT said it “will not be able to provide…animal control and intake services as well as…high volume spay and neuter initiatives,” because none of the outstanding government funds has been paid.
“Effective July 1, 2026, HSSTT will no longer be able to accept all lost, stray, abandoned, or homeless dogs and cats on behalf of GVI,” the notice stated.
The organization said all animal welfare inquiries and drop-offs must now be directed to the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture.
“This decision has been made only after months of tireless efforts by HSSTT to deal directly with the GVI agencies responsible for payment,” the notice said.
According to Randy Knight, president of the Humane Society’s board of directors, “all documentation requested by VIDOA has been promptly submitted for transmittal to OMB and Finance without any fulfillment of the payments as stated in the FY2026” notice of grant awards.
The organization said the service reduction is necessary to protect its overall survival. The notice described the cutback as a “difficult and heartbreaking reality” and “one solely created by GVI.”
The notice provides Agriculture Commissioner Lois Peterson’s contact information and directs all inquiries and concerns to that office.
“The Humane Society of St. Thomas…sincerely hopes that GVI will honor its financial commitments for all of HSSTT’s critical services to be restored,” the notice concluded.
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