New Humane Society Shelter Breaks Ground in West Bay

By Christopher Tobutt

The Cayman Islands Humane Society marked a milestone this month with the formal groundbreaking of its long awaited new animal shelter in West Bay. Though construction is already well underway, with foundations and walls rising, the ceremony offered a moment to reflect on years of effort, generosity, and vision that have brought the project to life.

Barbara Padega, President of the Humane Society, described the day as the culmination of a collective commitment. “I am a small part of a very large organization that has poured its time and effort and resources into building a new animal shelter in West Bay,” she said. She credited the late Ardyth Smith, whose estate provided both the land and funding to make the shelter possible. “We have been the grateful recipient of a trust, granted by a lovely lady named Ardyth Smith who left land for us on which to build our shelter, and today is the big day when we make the formal groundbreaking and announcement of the new shelter.”

The need for a new facility has long been pressing. The current shelter, tucked beside the AL Thompson’s roundabout, was never designed for animal care. “It was a home, at some point – it was never intended to be an animal shelter – and it’s old, tired and no longer fit for purpose,” Padega explained. Flooding, electrical and plumbing issues, and difficulties in keeping the space clean have made operations increasingly challenging. “This beautiful new purpose built facility will alleviate so much,” she added.

The new site spans more than 16 acres, offering landscaped grounds with paths and walkways so volunteers can exercise dogs safely within the property. Plans include an administrative building, reception area, and a fully equipped veterinary clinic. “It will save us a lot of money, and it will help us save a lot of animals that, right now, we don’t have the resources to help,” Padega said.

Minister of Agriculture Jay Ebanks praised the Humane Society’s work, noting how it complements the Department of Agriculture’s own efforts in animal welfare. “I’m happy to say that the investment is being made to make this a success, and continue to find a way that we deal with our stray animals, and it’s a great improvement – I’m happy to be here with them today,” he said. Ebanks admitted he was struck by the scale of the site. “I didn’t realise how big the site was and, looking at it now – it’s a huge, impressive site. So I take my hat off to the Humane Society for their vision and their knowledge and being able to see out further, and I’m looking forward to finding ways that Agriculture can partner with the Humane Society.”

Deputy Premier Gary Rutty also attended, underscoring the government’s support for animal welfare initiatives.

Beyond bricks and mortar, the new shelter represents a transformation in how the Cayman Islands cares for its animals. The facility will provide modern, spacious, and well ventilated accommodation, with separate areas for dogs and cats, rehabilitation and quarantine sections, and specialist spaces for traumatised animals. For Padega, the project is about more than animal care. It is about community. She emphasized that young volunteers and school groups who support the Society are not only helping animals but also learning empathy, responsibility, and the power of making a difference. “This project is not just about what it means for the animals. It’s about what it means for our people, our community, for our families and for the next generation growing up on these islands,” she said.

After years of waiting, the Humane Society’s vision is finally taking shape. The new shelter promises not only to improve outcomes for animals but also to serve as a reminder that Cayman is at its best when it looks after its most vulnerable.