Change attitudes towards stray animals

Apr 21, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
It is with great distress that I write to you in anticipation that people reading this letter may change their attitudes towards stray animals in Guyana.
I am extremely disheartened at the stray dog situation in Guyana. The roles of domestic animals such as dogs are unique and incomparable to other animals such as cows or sheep. These animals are either used as pets or as security guards for people in Guyana, unlike cattle, which are used for food. For this reason, dogs are treated differently. For example, a person would be more likely to steal a cow or a goat than they would a dog due to the financial benefits that come with animals used for food.
Having such a different role in society, stray dogs often experience unfortunate abuse and neglect in Guyana.
Walking down the streets in rural Guyana, I found myself wrapped in sorrow at the sight of little newborn puppies covered with skin diseases and lacking the basics such as drinking water. They are also being abused by people.
Driving on the roads, I witnessed a bus driver hitting and killing a dog because he, the driver, was just too busy to slow down. Unfortunately, these images are common for Guyanese. It is sad that in a world where we share our habitat with animals, people can be so unsympathetic when it comes to these precious creatures.
It is my opinion that the primary reason for such as large population of stray dogs is owner neglect and uncontrolled breeding.
People, oblivious to the responsibilities associated with pet ownership, often get dogs without thinking of the consequences.
Once you adopt a dog, you are responsible for sustaining that dog’s life. If financial circumstances lead to the inability to provide for the dog, then a suitable home should be found, rather than leaving the animal on the street. This is too frequently the case in Guyana, where people get dogs and later find out that having a dog comes with liabilities, for which they cannot adequately handle.
In addition to lack of responsibility by humans, uncontrolled breeding is another main reason why the stray dog situation is so overwhelming. Few owners take the time to spay or neuter their dogs.
I understand that spaying and neutering may cost money, which is often lacking for Guyanese people. For this reason, I believe the Government should sponsor a spay and neuter programme for domesticated animals such as dogs and cats.
The Government can simply help pay a portion of the operation fees for these animals, which may provoke owners to have their animals spayed or neutered.
I also believe that the Government could implement laws or send out public messages to address this situation.
Over-population of stray animals is a problem in many countries, but with government regulations, the large populations are often curbed.
I understand that the Government has larger issues to deal with but without exercised restraints, this situation can escalate to an unmanageable point.
Even if you are not a dog owner, please treat dogs with respect. They are animals just like us. Don’t mistreat stray dogs simply because they exist in your world and may seem bothersome to you.
Remona Gopaul