The Animal House, the only no-kill animal shelter on the island of Jamaica located just outside of Ocho Rios, leases their premises from the Jamaican Bauxite Mining Company (JBM), which is government owned.  Up until recently JBM supplied them with both power and water.  The Animal House was advised that JBM would be closing its operations and the public utility companies would continue to provide these vital services going forward.  Animal House was never informed that there would be a disruption to the shelter’s vital power and water service, yet both services were cut off without notice.  Using a borrowed generator  they managed to keep operating while the power was disrupted.  Power was restored after several months, however the Animal House continues it’s work with no running water!  The Animal House staff and volunteers have been forced to carrying water in by hand and when possible trucking in water.

The shelter cares for over 150 animals, but they are still without water for the animals in this extreme tropical environment.  Upon further investigation of the water supply, the  Animal House found that a private company, National Meats, now leases the property formerly referred to as JBM.  National Meats has taken over the water line which they share with Animal House and decided to turn off the valve that supplies water to the Animal House.  National Meats was concerned they might incur additional expense maintaining the water line.  Animal House has also learned that the National Water Commission which was expected to take over the water supply no longer has intentions to do so.  Animal House has appealed to everyone possible including the Jamaican Prime Minister’s office. 

A meeting was arranged between The Animal House, National Meats and the NWC neither National Meats nor the National Water Commission was willing to corrcet the situation.  The Animal House was told that they should collect rain water or pay for the installation of a new pipeline (US$15,000) after which the NWC would give them a water meter.  They are being forced to truck in water.  The situation is appalling and no one cares enough to rectify the situation. Animal House is grateful that after 5 months the power is back, which is truly a blessing, but adds now if only we could get the water turned back on.

Please help by signing this petition  and forwarding it to everyone you know and lets get the water turned back on for all those poor animals!   Sign the Pettion today!!!

Thanks for caring.
 The Animal House Jamaica