Re the letter 'Enforce population control of our dogs' (September 24), the Jamaica Kennel Club (JKC) is foremost a registry for pure-bred dogs and participation in the club is by membership. We promote the ownership and breeding of pure-bred dogs with a view to fostering responsible ownership. We are also an advocate for all dogs, and from time to time play this role officially and unofficially. The management of stray dogs is not the responsibility of the JKC, nor was it founded on that basis.

Our article in The Gleaner of September 21, 'Finding a breeder', was written with the aims of educating the potential puppy buyer and also providing information on how to identify responsible breeders.

Enforcing population control of dogs in Jamaica, with the aim of preventing unwanted dogs and reducing the stray dog population, is challenging not only for Jamaica, but for the rest of the world. However, unlike other countries that have an active programme dealing with this issue, there appears to be none here in Jamaica.

Private groups

What is needed is a national programme driven by members of a single organisation where the processes and procedures, along with their measurement, are developed and adopted. I am aware of private groups in Jamaica attempting to address this issue, but they have their own agenda. No doubt, such a programme would receive support not only from the JKC, but from several other organisations in Jamaica and elsewhere. So the big question is, who will/should lead this national charge?

The Jamaica Kennel Club currently plays its role through the support of organisations, such as the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Jamaica Veterinary Medical Association, and works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture's Veterinary Division. It is expected that these relationships will continue into the future.

I am, etc.,

JOSEPH AUXILLY

President

Jamaica Kennel Club