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Roatan and Bay Islands Discussion List Archive
| Posted On: | 21-Jan-2003 |
| From: | [cunamara.....hn] |
| Subject: | [roatan] bringing a dog onto the island |
----- Original Message ----- > From: > To: > Sent: Monday, January 20, 2003 10:23 PM > Subject: Re: [roatan] bringing a dog onto the island > > > MY G>>>> they really poison the animals?? > > Geez, what humane person would do such a thing??? > > I sure hope that Roatan is going to be everything I have thought it to be > and > > more...but geez....going around killing domestic animals....serving what > > purpose? This represents a crude, and relatively cruel, form of animal control. In the absence of a more humane program, the dogs and cats of neglectful, uncaring owners that become a nuisance are often dealt with in this manner. Unfortunately, it is much simpler and effective -- and invites fewer repercussions -- than reporting a problem animal to the police or "the judge." Some of these animals are in such sad shape, it almost seems a blessing to see them go but one at least wishes for a more humane method of disposal. In many instances, dogs seem to be viewed as little more than a cheap utility for hunting iguanas or scaring off possible intruders. The latter use often annoys neighbors as well and it is often those sleepless neighbors who finally resort to poisoning. Another part of the problem is the lack of any kind of affordable or free spaying program, coupled with the small income supplements that can be gained by selling successive litters of wretched puppies out of perpetually pregnant, underfed dams. I occasionally see some interest in the list from people with animal care experience. Like most 3rd world countries, Roatan is badly in need of some kind of campaign to control animal abuse and to control animals in a humane manner. Lest anyone be quick to get their back up on this issue: When I first moved here, an unusually wretched pup started hanging out on my front deck. Her mange was so bad she had lost all of her hair, was covered with sores and, when she could sleep, she still whined from the extreme discomfort. He skin was actually hot to the touch and, on top of that, she had blood in her stools. With the help of a marginally competent vet from the mainland (who no longer practices on Roatan but has managed to insert himself into the process of clearing pets imported to the island), I saved this dog -- which I named Fanny May. However, I did feel a twinge of guilt when it occurred to me that the amount of money I had spent on medical care for that animal was probably considerable more than is probably spent for most children in Honduras during all of their developmental years. When viewed from that perspective, I suppose one may be a little less quick to be horrified by a society that does not provide adequate care for its four-legged members. -Tom | |
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