The
will celebrate Exotic Pet Amnesty Week from Monday, Feb. 20 through Monday, Feb. 27, to bring attention to the impact of invasive species on the Virgin Islands’ natural environment.
Residents are invited to bring in their rare, non-native animal species from birds to snakes for a free permit and microchip — without penalty — to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The list does not include livestock such as chickens, ducks or other farm animals permitted through the Department of Agriculture.
This year’s observance will kick off at the 51st Virgin Islands Agriculture and Food Fair on St. Croix at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) tent. “We are excited to educate visitors who can interact with our educational animal ambassadors like Trouble, our red-tailed boa. Guests to the tent will also get a chance to help pick a name for our new red-eared slider. Fish and Wildlife continues to encourage the public to register their exotic animals free of charge and legally possess them in a responsible manner,” said Nicole Angeli, Ph.D., director of the division.
“The following week, the public can continue to visit the offices territory-wide to register their pets and learn about the free microchip program,” said Angeli.
Permitting stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 18-20, at the DPNR tent at the Ag Fair. The stations will also be open throughout the week at the Mars Hill and St. Thomas Tropical Marina offices from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21-24. The public may also visit the Cruz Bay, St. John office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23.
Pets must be brought in a secure carrier; otherwise, photos should be brought instead. Live animals will be microchipped and/or photographed. The initiative is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Interior.
For more information, call the office at 773-1082 or visit www.dpnr.gov.vi/fish-and-wildlife.
