Having received information from the Health Inspector and Town Board that dog eradication was in the planning stages, SAGA Humane Society has been working hard on a stray dog round up over the last two weeks.
Dog eradications, as undertaken by the San Pedro Town Council, are not done in a humane or safe manner. Poison is used causing the dogs to die a long and painful death. The method used has caused controversy repeatedly over many years and is illegal in several other countries as well as being banned by the World Health Organisation.
SAGA had to make some very tough decisions as part of the round up as they only have the funds and resources to care for a limited number of dogs. Of the nineteen dogs caught for assessment, only one was adopted. Of the remaining eighteen 30% were pregnant or had the fatal sexually transmitted disease TVT. Sadly, SAGA had to humanely euthanase the dogs that were not adopted. This was done painlessly and in a gentle and caring environment. For some of these dogs this was, apparently, one of the only acts of kindness they had experienced in their short lives.
The aim of SAGA Humane Society is to protect animals from suffering and it is heartbreaking for the veterinarian and staff to have to euthanase animals because of irresponsible dog ownership.
During the round up SAGA was surprised to find that many dog owners were interested in information and they were trying hard to keep their dogs under control. SAGA Humane Society would like to remind everyone in the community that responsible dog ownership should not only occur when there is a threat of dog poisoning. It should be something that dog owners practice year round.
It is not fair to your dog or to the community to allow your dog to run around loose, especially if it is not neutered or spayed. All puppies are born with worms and dogs need to be wormed regularly or their faeces can spread disease. Loose dogs cost the community time and money by turning over garbage cans and creating a mess. They can develop bad habits such as chasing bicycles, which is particularly concerning for children on their way to school.
SAGA now calls upon the Town Board and the community to cooperate with them to make this barbaric practice of dog poisoning part of history. If dog owners make sure to behave in a responsible manner, business owners and households make sure to keep their garbage properly contained and all complaints about nuisance dogs brought immediately to SAGA, a dog eradication should never be necessary.
Dog owners, please remember that San Pedro is already over populated with unwanted and uncared for dogs. Allowing an un neutered or un spayed dog to run around free is one of the most irresponsible things you can do. These dogs are very likely to catch the deadly sexually transmitted disease, TVT and spread it to others. It is the owners who allow their dogs to reproduce at will, who are responsible for the dog problems. SAGA implores of all dog owners to have their pet neutered or spayed or to keep it under close control. Spaying or neutering can be done at a reduced cost or for free in case of financial hardship. For more information call SAGA on 226 3266.
SAGA Press Release 09 March 2009
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