A topic close to my heart. Just some observations, which may or may not bother anyone, but will hopefully provide information.
As far as I am aware, the complaints about stray dogs and demands for stray dog control come from Belizeans. The complaints include dogs being allowed to roam and turn over garbage bins, barking all night, chasing and attacking pedestrians and cyclists. They are all reasonable and justifiable complaints.
Many Belizeans are responsible dog owners and many foreigners are also responsible dog owners. There are dog owners in both of these groups who are very irresponsible too. There are very few 'strays' in San Pedro. Most of the dogs you see on the street are dogs owned by irresponsible people. Many people think the dogs are thin because they are starving. It is very difficult for dogs to starve here. Food is plentiful and available. The reason these dogs are thin is because they are sick. Tick fever, heartworm and sexually transmitted disease is rife amongst street/beach dogs in San Pedro. That is a huge welfare issue and if you have ever seen the difference once a street dog has been treated for disease and cared for properly, you'll see that these so called, laid back dogs were not laid back at all, they were just too sick to do much else.
Dogs are dependent on us for our care. Before people had access to information about dog health care, there was no option but for dogs to have and die of these diseases. Now information, prevention and treatment are available in San Pedro.
Dogs that are not wormed regularly and are allowed to defecate in public places are a health risk to humans, children in particular.
Rabies vaccinations are available for free, but that is not widely taken up.
I am a dog owner and I adore dogs, but I cannot really understand how I could think it is OK to allow the fact that I have chosen to keep dogs to affect the quality of life of my neighbours and community and sometimes put their safety and welfare at risk. Is it OK for me to allow my dog to defecate on other people's property or on the beach? Is it OK for me to allow my dog to become sick, posing a health risk to other dogs and in some cases humans? Is it OK for me to sit at a bar with my dogs that chase cyclists and watch as every poor worker trying to make his way home is attacked by a pack of dogs? Is it OK for me to allow my dog to wander at will and empty people's garbage cans? Is it OK for me to allow my dog to live a life in a state of constant discomfort and illness because I am not willing/able to give the necessary preventative health care?
San Pedro is a growing area that now has paved roads. Sadly, many dogs are now learning about cars and fast traffic the hard way. With the population expansion on the island, it isn't viable or reasonable for people to think they can live with their dogs the way they always have. Responsible pet ownership is not just about caring for the dog and its welfare, it is about civic responsibility and not allowing your dog to be a detriment to the quality of life of other people.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
