The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is cautioning dog owners that they could find themselves in trouble with the law, if their pet attacks sea turtles. 

The agency has received reports that pets and wild dogs have been attacking sea turtle nesting areas and eating the hatchlings on beaches across the island. 

NEPA said this is particularly acute in areas where there are high densities of dogs, such as near tourist resorts and fishing villages. 

NEPA noted that sea turtles are already facing numerous challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

The additional challenge of dog attacks worsens the sea turtles’ chances of survival. 

Sea turtles are considered endangered.

NEPA is reminding members of the public that sea turtles are protected under the wildlife protection act.

A person who, by willful negligence, causes any injury or suffering to any animal, shall be guilty of an offense. 

The law also allows for the owner of an offending animal to make payments for veterinary treatment, and the court may direct that the animal that committed the offense be put down.