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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1
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I will be visiting Caye Caulker for the second time in a year next week. One of the things that struck me as unique were the beach dogs. We became friends with one female in particular and are hoping to see her again.
I recognize that I am a foreign tourist. I do not live there nor do I have a stake in the continuing financial or community success of your community. I do not understand the unique circumstances of running your municipality.
I do believe killing strays with strychnine is unusually cruel and that a spay/neuter program is the best method of dog/cat control.
If word gets out among the "first world" tourist community that pet genocide is being committed it is possible that a boycott of Caye Caulker can and should occur.
Children are getting sick? With what? What are the dogs passing on to the children? You must protect your children above all, but reach out to the world at large for ideas and help. It is out there.
PS: If the cull happens I will never spend money on Caye Caulker again and I will be sure no one I know that travels to Belize will either.
Last edited by Joanne F; 09/23/13 12:42 PM. Reason: Spell check
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 353
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As someone living here with no official position but working hard for animal welfare and, along with many others (most of whom are not on this forum) doing everything we can to prevent a potential poisoning, I have to say I am unsure how people are hoping to we will respond to your threats to not visit.
And really, this sort of thing happens all over the world so look carefully before you book your next vacation. You can help, you can get in the way of those trying to help or you can avoid us all together if it makes you feel better.
If you want someone official to see your thoughts, maybe that's who you should contact. Life does not happen on this forum. If you want to help, contact Paws or the Caye Caulker Humane Society and ask them how you can channel your outrage in to help.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 259
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For the record my 3 dogs are spayed/neutered and I believe this to be an effective means of population control. They also live in a fenced yard and are on a leash when out in public. However, before we can criticize anything in a culture we are not from, we must first understand that culture. I have spent the past few years studying the culture of Belize. One thing I have learned is that "outsiders" are seen as coming to Belize because they love what what it is. When we get there we strive to change it to what we think it should be. Natives of any culture would not understand this lunacy in their homeland.
Any solution to what we perceive to be a problem must consider the cultural norms. Perhaps our way is better...perhaps not. Before we can expect to gain acceptance of our beliefs we must understand theirs. Only then will Belizians be open to our suggestions. Remember...we are welcome to live in Belize, to be a part of the community, but we will never be FROM Belize.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,479
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I agree. Trying to shove your opinions/beliefs/culture down other peoples throats won't get you an invitation to dinner no matter how valid your opinions/beliefs/culture are/is.
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 17
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This isn't about beliefs - this is about public health. I do get a bit tired of the same old argument, 'you're not from here, so shut up'. This sort of ad hominem attack has nothing whatsoever to do with logic or the matter at hand. Is killing 5 dogs worth all the downsides of poisoning that Noelle has listen in her excellent article? Couldn't these dogs have been euthanized by the Human Society without endangering kids, pets, birds, water with strychnine? We're not trying to ram Western beliefs down anyones' throat, but cruelty should never be excused as 'cultural'. 'Honor killings' in Turkey? Acid attacks on girls in Pakistan? Eating live monkey brains in Japan? Burning women in India for their dowry - all valuable cultural traditions? Really? And dog poisoning - a treasured part of Belizean culture since 100 years? I think not.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 259
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Chris, you are clearly not hearing my point by linking all those unrelated issues to dogs in Belize. With all due respect, Belize is steeped in tradition of cooperation and relying on others. Copping an attitude of righteousness (whether deserved or not) will not bode well in gaining compliance from residents and only serve to move you further from your goals.
My point is, if you truly have the animals best interest at heart, listen to the needs and beliefs of their owners, find some common ground to work from in addressing this important issue.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,479
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It is completely about beliefs/opinions and culture. You cannot work from a superior attitude; you have to work from the ground up from within, with compassion for what people have lived with and dealt with their entire lives. If you happen to think I'm spewing without experience I've been in Belize closing in on 14 years both on the mainland and in San Pedro. I used to be on the board of directors of Saga and participated in many stray round ups and was threatened more than a few times for removing strays from the streets. Saga has come a long way since those days thanks to education in schools provided by Saga and in particular "Be Kind Belize". If you continue to think that your outrage will accomplish anything you're in the wrong country my friend. Only long term education can bring change.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,436
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Guess the poisoning happened last night, locals picking up bodies on beach this a.m. I am sad.
LONELY PLANET SAYS TOURIST LOVE OUR ART. BEST PRICES ON ART.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
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Its a cruel way to solve the problem
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,267
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"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated." Mohandas (mahatma) Ghandi
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