subject: Mexico And Its Dogs [print this page] In the cities of India, there are monkeys climbing around the power lines creating havoc. Yet, they only create such widespread havoc because no one can catch them. In Louisiana, the residents contend with alligators crawling out of the bayou in search of a quick meal. Once again, they are difficult to catch and therefore often left alone. In Mexico, there is a far less hazardous creature roaming the city streets: the stray dog. These are not problem animals, they are simply dogs doing what nature intended them to do: procreate.
Why is it that Latin countries seem to have so many dogs? The answer is simple: no one believes in neutering. Consider the fact that every single Latin nation in Central and South America was at one time or another under the influence of Catholic missionaries. Converts were abundant and those missionaries were adept at what they set out to do. Neutering of pets was not done as Catholic law demanded that procreation was not to be interfered with on any level.
Just as in all the developed countries of the world, Mexican citizens have their pets. They love, care for and treasure those pets as anyone else would. Pets are popular world-wide of course, and who doesn't enjoy coming home after a long work day to be greeted by a friendly pet. However, there have been times when poverty was a major issue in Mexico. The economic climate is certainly better now in Mexico, but not so long ago families were turning their pets out into the street. They couldn't afford another mouth to feed. It is sad, and indeed tragic, but sometimes tough choices had to be made.
Stray dogs living in the streets have likely had their own litters, and of course their litters will then have their own offspring etc. The end result is many dogs running around the city streets. Animal lovers throughout the Yucatan have stepped up to care for those strays. Shelters have now sprung up across the region, and they take in, care for, and promote the adoption of animals. Hungry dogs do not become dangerous to people at least, when shelters take in and feed strays.
Volunteers are always needed at animal shelters. One can always take a bit of time out of one's vacation, to help at a local animal shelter for a few hours, or perhaps a day. It's a rewarding experience for all parties, and it helps a good cause.
