Beach Dogs and Influence on tourism.
The Team have been asked to post this on behalf of AAASosua and thanks to Coyote2 for starting this !
Visiting Travel Agents Complain about Sosua Beach Dogs, Garbage
I
nfluence on likelihood of sending tourists
As resident of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, whether Dominican, Haitian or ex-pat, we should each do our part to keep the area as garbage-free as possible. This does not include dogs on the beach, and there is a need to educate travel agents about the value of these dogs when they visit. This article provides the background to enable every resident to be able to help with that education process.
What most people don’t realize is that the small group of dogs that inhabit Sosua Beach act as ambassadors to visitors to the North Coast of the DR.
First-time visitors may not be aware of this, but anyone who has lived here or visited here in the past understands what a gift these dogs are to the beach. They also represent a collaborative effort with Rescue Groups, Local Businesses and private residents.
Animal overpopulation is a worldwide problem. Even in the most affluent regions, keeping areas free of roaming dogs/cats carries a huge price tag. Here in the DR, where many things need attention, the success of the efforts of dedicated people with years of commitment to establishing a safe and healthy free roaming group of dogs is a true testament to the benefits of a trap/neuter/release program. Getting “rid” of the dogs does not work anywhere.
If people were more aware of what this small healthy population really represents, they would never put them in the same sentence as “garbage.”
A country is often judged by how it treats its animals. Through substantial efforts by many and the current agreement on the part of the government not to poison animals in this area and just let them be, the Sosua area has become a model for other areas who share the animal overpopulation problem.
Consistent monitoring and free spay/neuter/vaccine services continue to be available to local pet owners who cannot afford to go to a veterinarian. As a result, this small group of dogs can live safely on the beach without having to continually defend their territory from strays that are dumped by desperate people who cannot afford to take care of multiple pets and whose only recourse is to “take them somewhere else.”
There are several groups in this area who offer these services and will continue to do so. They also help with rescue/rehoming and adoption as they can. Support of these groups is important so they can continue to offer services. Many have dogs for adoption, so please check them out when you are looking for a pet. The best dog for this country is a “native” dog. Check local websites and you will see that these dogs are the safest and most efficient watchmen available. Any owner will attest to the loyalty of these dogs.
Killing animals or removing them from an area creates a void which nature will fill. If we remove a safe group that protects an area from unwanted or diseased animals, we not only do a disservice to the wonderful Dominican dog, who always does his best, but we are also opening the door to other unwanted environmental issues.
There is a need to educate travel agents on these realities. As to the garbage … I agree, but that is a different problem.
Judy Liggio President AAASosua