"La protección a los animales forma parte esencial de la moral y cultura de los pueblos civilizados" -Benito Juárez García

 

Topic

 

I became familiar with this part of the city. I suppose that such familiarity is only natural after having walked through an area several times for several days. I had been here so frequently that I hardly continued to notice the cobbled arches (once used to support the network that brought water to the city), the willowing tree that dropped pink flowers beneath my feet, or the smell that wafted from the nearby bakery. The wide plaza became familiar and I no longer found myself peering into the open doorways as I passed by the internet café, the weaver’s house, the restaurant, and finally, the music school. I no longer took note of the many tourists (mostly of the old and whitevariety), the young Mexican couples who feverishly lock lips, or even the dirty man without shoes who makes his bed from concrete and leaves. The interworkings of the city’s people no longer intrigued me, and so it came to be that I pass through this part of the city without noticing those who hustle about to construct roads, sweep walkways, and keep the city afloat. I could have walked through this part of the city a million times; I could have set up residence and became a figure no more inconsistent than sun that shines on the western parts of the plaza each morning. No matter how familiar I became, though, I will likely always be painfully aware of the large population of street dogs. 

 

As if being light-skinned and having blonde hair didn't attract enough attention in Oaxaca, I became that tourist. I was the gringa who couldn't pass by the hungry street dogs without offering them something with which to fill their empty stomachs. I bought dog food by the kilo and carried it with me everywhere that Iwent. Such activity was often met with cold or confused looks. It wasn't rare that I would be warned about the disease and misfortune that I would soon be met with, should I continue feeding the pests. Fortunately, there were also those who at the very least seemed indifferent to my feeding the dogs. The variation in reactions amongst the locals worked only to intrigue me. I wanted to know more about the attitudes and perceptions surrounding dogs in Oaxaca and I wanted to know what might be done to combat the serious problems of dog overpopulation. Therefore, I proposed the following question: how is the culture of Oaxaca demonstrated through the city's dog population and what might be done to strengthen the relationships between the dogs and the locals?  

 

Background Information

 

Having lived nearly my entire life in the northern part of the United States, my experience with dogs has been one that considers the pets important parts of the family. Where I am from, if a dog is seem roaming the streets, it is captured and assumed to have wandered away from its loving home. This is not to say that United States provides an ideal template of animal care. It is true that animal abuse still exists in the United States and that between three and four million animals are still euthanized each year.

 

It is not known exactly when or how the domestication of the dog occurred, but it has been proven that dogs were present in North America (and all around the world) approximately 9000 years ago. These dogs would have traveled to North America with their human companions. 9000 years later, when nearly 40 percent of all households in the United States owned at least one dog, dogs would be the cause of a multi-billion dollar pet food industry and the spending of over 11 thousand dollars a year on veterinary care (all in the United States alone) (Journal of Animal Science, 2008). Having come from a culture where animals are frequently cared for as human members of the family, where pet stores, dog parks, and other such services are easily and frequently found, and stray animals are not left to their own devices, my interpretation of the treatment of dogs in Oaxaca may easily be biased. I hope, ultimately, to present reasonable solutions for bettering the overpopulation problem in the city .

 

The overpopulation of street dogs in Oaxaca is obvious. Interestingly, there seems also to be an increasing population of pet dogs. Though the dogs that live in homes are visibly on a sort of spectrum, ranging from roof dogs (dogs who spend all of their time neither on the street or in the home, but rather on the roofs, harassing pedestrians and suffering in the damning heat) all the way to accessorized dogs (dogs with changes of clothing, sparkly collars and leads, and a place in the family home equivalent to that of a family member). Of course, there exist dogs in between these two extremes. What all of these pet dogs seem to have in common is that they are purebred. Rather for social distinction or an unavailability of mixed breeds who have had veterinary care, certain breeds (most notably: schnauzers, Mexican hairless, and Chihuahuas) are paraded through the city and appear as a different species than the mangy and hungry pests that so many are afraid of or hold in great distain.

 

Rescue organizations exist to help the street dogs in Oaxaca, but their numbers are few and their resources are even fewer. The Auxilio al Perro Amigo de Oaxaca (APAOAX) is an organization that claims to help abandoned animals and better the relationships between both companion animals and their families and also between animals and the environment. The groups works to promote the proper care of animals in Oaxaca city and works diligently to promote sterilization, education, and proper legislation related to the care of animals (www.apaoax.com).

 

Other organizations, such as the Megan House (located in San Pablo de Etla), and la Sociedad Colmillo Blanco Oaxaca (located in Oaxaca city), are also working to better relationships between animals and community members (Casa Raab site; Dog Planet magazine). Rebecca, an American, first came to Oaxaca many years ago, where the image of streetdogs was something that she never managed to forget. Years after her first visit, she and her husband moved to an area just outside of Oaxaca city, and started the Megan House, an organization that works to rescue street dogs. She has helped hundreds of dogs regain their health through regular meals, veterinary care, and in many cases, by finding them permanent and safe homes. A trip to the Megan House provides visitors with a startling welcome: tens upon tens of dogs of all shapes and sizes race up the driveway to greet newcomers. Others hide and peer out from behind trees and fences. Some are too nervous to be seen. All, however, are being helped and loved until they find their forever homes. 

 

Beyond rescue organizations and the help of a few caring individuals, little help is available for the street dogs in Oaxaca. Though many laws have been created to help protect animals, very few are followed or enforced. The following laws are loosely existent in an attempt to protect the animals of Oaxaca: companion animals must not be abused, treated cruelly, or treated aggressively; animals cannot be sold in areas that are not established and authorized and that are not of good quality for the health of the animal; each municipality must create and maintain a Center for Canine Attention (this includes the dog catcher) (notas.reflexionenlinea.com).

 

The rest of my background knowledge includes the network of which I have become a part. I have met Steve, a Texas native who feeds the street dogs near his apartment three times each day. Through Steve, I met Toña, a Mexican woman who owns three dogs herself and who helps the street dogs get medical care. I have met several veterinarians and veterinarian technicians who go beyond what is expected of them to capture, treat, and care for many of the street dogs. I have met Marta who works in an area with a high concentration of street dogs and who therefore works to provide the dogs with food and to make certain that people are not treating the dogs badly.

 

What I have become increasingly interested in during my time here in Oaxaca is the source of the purebred pet dogs.  In order to begin my investigation of the pet dogs, I have visited several local pet stores. I have been saddened to learn that many of the available puppies being sold are flown in from puppy mills in the United States. Why do so many dogs in Mexico live without homes while dogs are being imported and are finding great homes?  What does this say about the culture in the city of Oaxaca? I am working to learn more about puppy mills in Mexico and the Mexican relationship to puppy mills in the United States.

 

I have also learned, from a veterinarian, that many people buy their puppies from breeders. This allows them to visit the home of their puppy’s parents to make certain that the parents are living in just and healthy conditions. Though this is certainly better than either importing or supporting the existence of puppy mills, it still makes me wonder why there is little consideration for adopting a street dog. 

 

Currently, the methods that exist to combat the problem of over population of dogs in Mexico are barbaric and inhumane. It is common that street dogs are euthanized in order to prevent overcrowding or spread of disease. The most common form of euthanasia is electrocution (cwob.org). This method is neither quick or painless. Currently, Mexican law calls for the sedation of animals before electrocution, but this law is almost never adhered to and is not enforced (cwob.org). 

 

I hope, ultimately, to learn enough to provide suggestions related to: 

1) bettering the relationships between the dogs and humans (through education, etc)

2) ending inhumane euthanasia practices (electrocution has already been eradicated in the entire state of Chihuahua (cwob.org)).

3) stopping of importation from US puppy mills to Mex pet stores/encouraging adoption of mix breeds and street dogs; stopping Mexican puppy mills

4) increased sterilization efforts 

5) increased support and resources for rescue organizations

 

Sources:

Journal of Animal Science: Perspectives on Domestication: The history of our relationship with man's best friend (2008)

www.apaoax.com

http://notas.reflexionenlinea.com/?p=3397

http://cwob.org

 

"I just don't trust people who have no empathy for dogs. That to me shows a real character flaw." -Steve Garnier

 

Research Plan

 

In order to better understand the attitudes held towards the street dogs of Oaxaca, and ultimately in order to apply that knowledge in an inference about the culture of Oaxaca, it is essential that I create at least a skeletal structure of a research plan. This plan will help organize and dictate the information that I would like to know and also how I plan to gather that information. I plan to explore my question primarily through observation, interviewing, and a personal mission (let's call it a case study for now). The observation will be a continuation of that which I have been doing since my arrival in Oaxaca. I have been taking notes on particular dogs, on particular habits (both in relation to the street dogs and also to pet dogs), and also on resources available to dogs and dog owners (for example: veterinary clinics, pet stores, rescue organizations, etc). I would most like to interview the following people:

1) a veterinary (What attitudes towards the city's street dogs have you observed?; What might be done to solve the problem of overpopulated street dogs?; In the past 10 years, how has the population of street dogs changed?; Generally, do you think that people in the city like dogs?; Do you sell puppies from your establishment, and is so, where are those puppies from?; Do many people in the city own mixed breed dogs?; Are you aware of dog rescue organizations in the city?) 

2) a foreigner who helps street dogs (Upon arriving in Oaxaca, where you surprised by the presence of the street dogs? If so, what surprised you?;In what ways do you think the treatment of street dogs in Oaxaca relates to the treatment of strays in the USA?; What do you think the treatment of street dogs in Oaxaca says about the city's culture?; What other information do you think is pertinent in understanding the dog culture in Oaxaca? (i.e. have you been met with negative reactions while helping the dogs?, what sort of network have you formed, etc.); What, if anything, have you noticed about pet dogs versus street dogs in Oaxaca? 

3) a native who owns dogs ( Why do you own dogs?; What is your general impression of street dogs in Oaxaca?; What is your general impression of the attitudes towards street dogs in Oaxaca?; Do you think that something should be done to reduce the street dog population?)

The case study that I plan to embark on has stemmed from my relationship with a very special street dog. I will work to get her the proper veterinary care and even work to have her flown to the United States where she will no longer have to constantly fend for her life. By helping this dog, I will be able to fully integrate into the dog culture of Oaxaca and I will be able to provide a more full interpretation of the culture in Oaxaca as it relates to the city's dog population. 

 

Research Schedule:

 

January through April-narrow and define research topic, look for resources, and make observations; the availability of resources and an understanding through observation will help dictate what work can be done and what goals are plausible

By April 5-have arranged all interviews (vet, local, foreigner, rescue organization) 

April 5-go to airport to investigate policies and laws relatedto taking dogs from the country (as pets) and bringing dogs into the country (from US puppy mills) 

April 6-interview with foreigner (Steve Garnier) to learn about foreign impressions of the street dogs and the treatment of street dogs, what many people are doing to help the dogs, and what sorts of relationships can be formed in the city via helping the dogs, etc.

April 7-interview with veterinarian (Rebecca Layva) to learn about attitudes towards street dogs, possible solutions to the overpopulation of street dogs, the history and current conditions of street dogs (how has this trend changed over time), where dogs are coming from and what kind of dogs are kept as pets, etc. 

By April 12-have completed all interviews

April 7 and 8-finalize presentation details

April 11 and 12-practice presentation

 

Reflection and Discovery 

 

As my walks through the city accumulated and I became less aware of the happenings around me, my energies focused increasingly more on the street dog population.  With time and patience came a mutual understanding, and it wasn’t long before I had gained the trust of many of the city’s street dogs.  One dog was particularly slow in accepting food and embracing interaction. Little did I know, it was this dog that would become essential in my networking with the dog people of Oaxaca.

 

The literature that exists regarding the dogs in Oaxaca is very scarce and not particularly informative.  Much of what I learned came from personal experience and observation. I interviewed Steve Garnier, a Texas native who feeds and cares for many of the street dogs in the city. I also interviewed Rebecca Layva, aveterinarian who works in the city and AnaLaura Garcia, a local dog owner. Additionally, I participated in countless informal conversations that greatly aided my understanding of the dogs in Oaxaca. 

 

I was surprised to learn that the overpopulation of street dogs is a problem that is only getting worse in Oaxaca. There has been very little effort in educating dog owners about sterilization and there has been perhaps even less effort in strengthening relationships between the pet and the owner. Dogs in Oaxaca are viewed as disposable and this is only becoming truer as more people struggle financially. Many dogs are brought home and thrown to the streets within a matter of weeks. The street dog population in the city says about the people that they are undereducated, and that they are struggling financially.

 

Rebecca Layva, a veterinarian who works in Oaxaca city, told me that she sees no clients who live in the city who own mixed breed dogs. The few mixed breeds that she cares for live outside of the cityin small pueblos. There are several popular breeds in the city. I have seen numerous Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, and Mexican Hairless (which used to be the dog of the royal people only). The pet dog population in the city says about the people that they are seekers of higher social classes, and that they perhaps disregard that which is not pure. 

 

I have worked to identify the specific problems that lead to the overpopulation of the city’s dogs. Poverty is perhaps the greatest cause of the problem. Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico and it only makes sense that families who cannot afford to care for themselves cannot care for pets. The desire for purebred dogs and the lack of sterilization are also problems. Many owners have purebreds that breed with purebreds of other species, thus creating unwanted mixed breed puppies that are thrown to the streets. Street dogs that are not sterilized breed constantly. There also exist many myths surrounding dogs in Mexico. Some believe that great misfortune (such as the inability to reproduce) will fall upon them should they interact with the four-legged creatures. 

 

It occurred to me that while all of the above problems are, well, indeed problems, perhaps the most important problem to be solved is to understand where all the dogs in the city are coming from. I had already identified that dogs were breeding rampantly and that many dogs only served as short-term families members before being shown the door. I didn’t believe that these circumstances could have accounted for the vast number of dogs. What I learned shocked and saddened me. All of the puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. While this wasn’t entire shocking news (the same is true in the US), I was absolutely disgusted to learn that many of the puppies are flown in from puppy mills in the United States. The topic of puppy mills is so extensive and disheartening that I cannot include it in great detail in this paper.I encourage all who are interested or who believe that dogs do not deserve to live a life of suffering, to learn more about these disgraceful operations.

 

It is also true that many dogs in Oaxaca come from breeders. It is typical that if one were to want a dog, he or she would visit their local veterinarian, identify the desired breed of dog, and the veterinarian would then contact an appropriate breeder. This, at least, allows the will-be owners the chance to visit the parents of their new puppy and to ensure that the operation is one that provides reasonable living conditions to its dogs. 

 

Ultimately, my study evolved to focus more on street dogs than pet dogs.  My focus of my study changed to investigate possible solutions to the overcrowding of street dogs in the city.

 

In my presentation, I worked to introduce five potential solutions to the problem of overcrowding amongst the dog population in Oaxaca city. Those solutions are (in no particular order) as follows:

 

1) Work to better relationships between the people of Oaxaca city and the dog population. This solution is also promoted by Auxilio al Perro Amiga de Oaxaca (APAOAX) and could likely be achieved through education and a better understanding about where the dogs are coming from and how to read their body languages. Recently, after a night’s stay with my host family, the dog that I have been working to rescue barked in surprise when my host father startled her. My host father was very obviously frightened and I was then given a long lecture about the dangers associated with street dogs, and the need to euthanize all street dogs. He had misread the dog’s bark for a vicious attack and his ignorance was immediately apparent. Such fear and loathing of the street dogs in Oaxaca do not necessary serve the purpose of keeping oneself safe. Having a better understanding of the dog as a species in general could be endlessly beneficial in lessening the problems associated with the street dogs and ending an overwhelming cycle of abuse.  

 

2) Increase sterilization efforts. If more dogs were neutered or spayed, population would certainly decrease and there would be a much lesser problem. However, in order for rates of sterilization to increase, several steps are required. Owners must be educated about the importance of sterilization. Clinics must (and must be able to) provide owners with affordable sterilization surgeries and/or more free sterilization clinics must be established. Currently, APAOAX and a few veterinary clinics in the city hold free or reduced priced sterilization events in order to spread awareness and stopoverproduction. 

 

3) Stop Mexican puppy mills and stop importing puppies from U.S. puppy mills. 

 

4) Provide better support and resources for rescue organizations.  With the exception of a very few number of rescue organizations (none of which are in Oaxaca state), there is no government funding available to aid helping Mexico’s dogs.  Rescue organizations in Oaxaca rely on donations and personal funding from staff members. Some organizations, such as APAOAX, sell t-shirts and books to increase awareness of their program and also to help with funding. 

 

5) Put an end to inhumane euthanasia practices. With the exception of thestate of Chihuahua, all states in Mexico still use electrocution to euthanize dogs and other animals. This practice is neither slow nor painless and the law requiring sedation before electrocution is almost never enforced. Euthanasia by means of inhumane practices shows a serious flaw in the character of humans and must be stopped in order to work towards a better harmony amongst the species. 

 

It is only natural to want to know more, or to have additional questions after completing any sort of research project. There are so many directions that my project could have gone in, and so much surrounding the dog population on Oaxaca that I have left unexplored. The following is an incomplete list of that which I would still like to know. I present the list only as a short compilation of future study ideas, not as organized, cohesive, or explained thoughts.

 

I would like to know: What do dogs in Oaxaca eat and how popular is actual dog food? When does the dogcatcher (la perrera) work and why is there a dogcatcher but no dog pound? What other forms of euthanasia exist/how often and where is poison placed on the streets of Mexico to kill dogs? Could the disabled and blind population in Oaxaca benefit from service dogs? Are young children being encouraged to appreciate animals or do they hold the same convictions as the older generations? Exactly how many families in the city own mixed breed dogs? What opportunities for involvement with the few rescue organizations exist? How could the current rescue organizations benefit by working more collaboratively? Who cleans up after the street dogs? How could the process of transporting dogs to the U.S.A. be made easier and less expensive? What is the history of the domesticated dog in Mexico (i.e. has there always been fear and misunderstanding regarding the stray dogs?) How is the street dog population in Oaxaca different from that in Mexico City?...this list might never end!

 

Ultimately, through observation, discussion, interviews, readings, and by finding a way to transport a dog to the United States, I have had an amazing time learning about the dogs in Oaxaca. I hope only that my learning doesn't end here and that I might be able to apply my findings and identify connections to better my relationships and understanding of dogs in the U.S.A.   

 

"En efecto, y esta es mi convicción, los animales tienen derechos, y negar que sufren y reírse de este sufrimiento es, como se le quiera ver, otra prueba de la deshumanización.” –Carlos Monsiváis (Mexican writer, political activist, critic, and journalist)