Legal Impacts

In the USVI, animal abuse goes unpunished and is sadly widespread. To combat the issue, Blue Sky Relief is working to increase the punishments associated with first, second, and third degree animal abuse and neglect.

Current Law:

USVI Code Title 14:

Any person who causes, permits or inflicts unjustifiable or repeated physical pain, suffering or injury to any animal will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year or a fine of $500.

Any person guilty of first degree animal neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $3,000 and up to 500 hours of community service.

These punishments are a slap on the wrist and allow animal abuse in the USVI to go unchecked. Blue Sky Relief is committed to changing this through much needed amendments.