A “potcake” is the Bahamian term for the thick, leftover food that remains in the bottom of a pot of peas ‘n rice after several reheatings. Traditionally Bahamians fed potcake to the outdoor, indigenous dogs that freely populated the Bahamas. Hence, the dogs have come to be known as “potcakes”.

Early in the month of March, CAWL received a request from Kit DeRoche, the Managing Coordinator of the Operation Potcake Puppy Lift Office, desperately looking for rescues in the states that would be willing to accept transfer of dogs from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama (HSGB). In the prior year, 829 dogs and puppies were humanely euthanized by HSBG simply because there were not enough families on the island to adopt them.

HSGB averages an approximate 8% adoption rate for their animals. With lack of funding from the local government and the government ban on foreign Veterinarians and volunteers working field spay/neuter clinics as of February 2011, HSBG and humane advocates in Grand Bahama are fighting a losing battle effecting trying to control and manage the pet overpopulation on the island.

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