The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development is aware of the recent reports and public discussion surrounding the euthanasia of two horses transported from Saint Lucia to Grenada. We take this opportunity to clarify the facts, provide verified information to the public, and reiterate the approved protocols and regulatory requirements for the importation of live animals and animal products into Saint Lucia.
The Veterinary Authority of Saint Lucia was informed of the intention of Mr. Rohan Smith, to export two horses to Grenada via sea on 28th May 2026. In accordance with the import requirements of Grenada, a veterinary inspection was conducted on Friday 22nd May 2026. During this process, both animals were clinically examined, were treated for internal and external parasites, and blood samples were collected for laboratory testing, including screening for Equine Piroplasmosis.
Equine Piroplasmosis is a disease that affects horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. It is spread by ticks and is caused by parasites that live in the animal’s blood. This disease is not zoonotic which means it does not affect humans and does not pose a public health risk. Equine Piroplasmosis is a notifiable disease, cases must be officially reported, and animals must undergo laboratory testing before movement or importation. The country recorded its first confirmed case in 2024.
At the time of inspection, one four-year old Creole filly and one seven-year-old Creole mare appeared clinically healthy, exhibiting no signs of infectious or contagious disease. Neither animal appeared to be pregnant. Laboratory results received on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026 indicated presence of Babesia spp. in both horses. The exporter was immediately notified of these findings.
The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) of Saint Lucia engaged the CVO of Grenada to inquire whether the animals would be allowed entry, quarantine and treatment upon arrival. The Grenada Veterinary Authority advised that the horses were not permitted entry. The CVO of Grenada further advised that the animals should instead undergo treatment in Saint Lucia followed by repeat testing prior to any future export consideration.
The Veterinary Authority of Saint Lucia promptly informed the exporter that the animals would not be permitted entry into Grenada and further informed the exporter that the animals would require treatment and re-testing in Saint Lucia before export.
On Wednesday, 27th May, 2026, health documents and laboratory test results were transmitted electronically to the Grenada Veterinary Authority. The CVO of Saint Lucia and the CVO of Grenada further communicated this decision to the exporter and outlined that the horses would not be accepted into Grenada.
On the same day, the Saint Lucia Veterinary Authority proceeded with arrangements to collect additional blood samples from the animals for further testing. However, the CVO was then informed that the horses were in-transit to Vieux Fort for export. The CVO then contacted the local transporter directly; the transporter then informed the CVO that the horses were already loaded onto the vessel.
The Veterinary Authorities of both Saint Lucia and Grenada explicitly advised the exporter that the horses would not be accepted into Grenada. An import permit was not issued by the Veterinary Authority of Grenada.
The Veterinary Authority of Saint Lucia also takes this opportunity to remind the public that, in accordance with the Animal (Diseases and Importation) Act (Chapter 7.17), an import permit issued by the Veterinary Authority is required before any live animal, animal product, or animal by-product may be imported into Saint Lucia.
These import requirements are in place to safeguard the country’s animal health, protect public health, and prevent the introduction of animal diseases that could have serious consequences for the livestock sector and the wider economy.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division for guidance on the import requirements and procedures before making arrangements to import any live animal, animal product, or animal by-product into Saint Lucia.