If I may suggest to all these people who are passionate and concern about the dogs in San Pedro, to go to San Pedro and adopt them all and bring them to the U.S.A , so I could enjoy myself in San Pedro and not be bothered by the stray and abandoned dogs. I am only teasing, but if that would happen, it would be wonderful.
I understand the stray and abandoned dogs is serious problem in San Pedro and in land Belize. However,it is also a serious problem in the U.S. too. Yesterday's Orange County Register, Sunday, October 20, 2002 has an article concerning stray and abandoned dogs in the U.S.A. The newspaper mention that the Humane Society of the United States estimates that as many as 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Some shelters routinely put to sleep dogs that had been in the facility for 10 days or less, to make room for newcomers. This is due to not sufficient space, money, or community support shelters that cannot care for every animal. So they suggest adopt a dog or volunteer. Even though the problem is the same as Belize, the situation may be handled differently. Belize is a far different country as compared to the U.S.A, where many dog owners can afford to provide health care for their dogs. The lifestyle and living condition of Belizean pet owners are far different than pet owners in the U.S.A.
I agree with the laws of Belize concerning dogs. Perhaps, not the mothod of eliminating stray dogs, it may seem inhumane,but other method may be considered. I agree pet owners are responsible for the care of their pets, and to keep them off the streets. Whenever, pet owners neglect their pets, the pets become the community problem. I think the laws concerning the dogs in Belize has been lenient on the pet owners who are irresponsible. The dog situation or problem will always be a problem, whether it's in the U.S. that have much resources or Belize that have less.