While visiting, my wife spends nights driving around Juan Dolio, Guayacanes and other beach areas looking for stray dogs.
When we identify one, she stops and feeds the animal while providing them a bowl of water. This has developed into her cause as suitcases filled with large bags of dog food travel with us from the USA to the DR.
This last trip- we returned to the USA yesterday- was very different. We were surprised by the decline in the # of dogs in the area, finding as well that the dogs she approached appeared fearful and hesitant despite in obvious need of food and water. We voiced this with others, and what we learned has devastated her.
We were told of dogs appearing in the morning, apparently having died form poisoning of some type. In one instance, five dogs were found dead, lying together. Others, in alleys and abandoned buildings. We heard this from a couple of guards that serve as security - they are tasked with removing the bodies and disposing of them. One guard in particular now keeps water and food with him to feed those that remain, so that they aren't lured away.
I was wondering how to report this- who would take charge in following up on an inquiry?
I understand that tourism looks unfavorably on packs of stray dogs walking about, yet I think there are other more humane solutions that don't result in having to get to this extreme.
Any help or information would be appreciated, and we encourage others to take interest in helping protect these defenseless animals from being wiped out altogether. I have heard, over and over again, about some "eating" the dogs; others confusing them for slaughtered Chivo's etc..., but what we are talking about here is systematic poisoning of the animals.
Thanks.
When we identify one, she stops and feeds the animal while providing them a bowl of water. This has developed into her cause as suitcases filled with large bags of dog food travel with us from the USA to the DR.
This last trip- we returned to the USA yesterday- was very different. We were surprised by the decline in the # of dogs in the area, finding as well that the dogs she approached appeared fearful and hesitant despite in obvious need of food and water. We voiced this with others, and what we learned has devastated her.
We were told of dogs appearing in the morning, apparently having died form poisoning of some type. In one instance, five dogs were found dead, lying together. Others, in alleys and abandoned buildings. We heard this from a couple of guards that serve as security - they are tasked with removing the bodies and disposing of them. One guard in particular now keeps water and food with him to feed those that remain, so that they aren't lured away.
I was wondering how to report this- who would take charge in following up on an inquiry?
I understand that tourism looks unfavorably on packs of stray dogs walking about, yet I think there are other more humane solutions that don't result in having to get to this extreme.
Any help or information would be appreciated, and we encourage others to take interest in helping protect these defenseless animals from being wiped out altogether. I have heard, over and over again, about some "eating" the dogs; others confusing them for slaughtered Chivo's etc..., but what we are talking about here is systematic poisoning of the animals.
Thanks.