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| Carly Ikuma/HSI |
| Attendees of the March 2007 Forum. |
By Carly Ikuma
There are an estimated three million stray dogs in greater Mexico City and at least as many cats. In a city of 19 million people, that's one dog for every six humans. Most roam the streets in search of a handout or a pat on the head. Unfortunately a number of these animals will be greeted not with a compassionate face, but by rocks and shouts to keep them away.
The situation is even direr outside the city limits—most of these stray animals will starve, die of disease and succumb to life on the streets.
Humane Society International, with assistance from HSUS' Rural Area Veterinary Services and the Antonio Haghenbeck Foundation in Mexico, hosted a forum on small animal overpopulation in Mexico in March 2007, the first of its kind. Bringing together more than 40 government officials, representatives from animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and individual advocates, forum experts discussed issues such as humane animal control, prevention of zoonotic diseases, sterilization, clinic organization, cruelty, humane education and euthanasia.
The workshop was designed to enhance the knowledge of animal welfare groups, assist them in planning programs, and offer a bridge between them in a country that spans 700,000 square miles.
"Most of us feel alone in the work we do," said an attendee. "It's really good to know that we are not the only ones struggling with the same problems, and we can also share our successes."
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| Carly Ikuma/HSI |
| Stray cat in Mexico City. |
Overcoming the Hurdles
Though each group has its own way of organizing programs, they do have one thing in common—the realization that animals are our responsibility and we as humans must be held accountable for their suffering.
Maricarmen Garcia and Monica Elmira Pineda of Gente por la Defensa Animal (GEPDA), a national organization based in Mexico City, find that their biggest challenge is getting people to understand that changing the quality of life for animals will, in turn, benefit communities.
"We explain to people that a healthy animal will not fight for food, a sterilized animal will not fight for territory, and a happy animal will not bite. But often they do not have the resources to change their situation, which is where we help." GEPDA places emphasis on humane education, the key to changing the cycle of indifference to animals' suffering.
Most groups have active adoption programs which encourage first-time pet owners to get involved in not only saving a life, but educating their friends and family about the benefits of having an animal. Some groups are also involved in changing Mexico's outdated animal welfare laws.
"We've had some major breakthroughs in local legislation in recent years, but we need stronger federal laws to make a big difference and provide guidance for municipalities," said Mara Montero of Comite pro Animale. "Oversight of these laws by local, trustworthy animal welfare organizations is crucial. We see the negative result of dog and cat overpopulation first-hand, everyday."
Poverty is also a large concern in Mexico, especially in rural areas.
"The realities of human poverty are a difficult obstacle," added Montero. Most groups provide free care for animals in poor communities and other incentives to persuade people to have their animals sterilized and vaccinated. Alma Morfin Gabilando of Asociacion Pro-Defensa Animal, operating in Juarez City and Chihuahua, says her group gives toys to children in impoverished towns to show that they care about the well-being of the people, too.
"We really push deep community involvement in every aspect of our programs," explained Gabilando. "It makes our work and our message sustainable."
Milagros Caninos, founded by Paty Espana, runs programs for disabled children and adults using therapy dogs, similar to Animals Asia's Dr. Dog project. These types of programs develop respect for dogs and demonstrate that dogs can be a useful component of the community.
There has also been a recent move to include humane education in the curriculum of Mexico's schools. Ale Vega of Adopta un Amigo, and several other groups, have already contacted the Ministry of Public Education about the issue.
The Issues at Hand
All panels at March's forum were designed to reflect the most pressing issues that animal activists in Mexico face.
- Disease control & humane animal control: Dr. Fernando Vargas Pino of SALUD (Mexico's Department of Health) and Dr. Danilo Santo of Asociación Internacional para la Protección Animal, A.C. (AIPA) presented the government and NGO perspectives on these issues, with an emphasis on cooperation between the groups and government agencies. Such collaborative programs have resulted in a sharp drop in rabies cases in humans and dogs since 1990, as well as increased awareness of the importance of vaccination and sterilization of pets and strays.
- Humane education & dog bite prevention: Almost all Mexican animal welfare programs include a humane education component. While dogs bites are still a reality in many parts of Mexico, humane education can help decrease these incidents by teaching children and adults basic dog behavior, encouraging responsible pet ownership and getting the community involved in sterilizing and vaccinating stray animals.
- Humane euthanasia: Electrocution is still the main form of euthanasia in Mexico's shelters, even though the American Veterinary Medical Association considers this method inhumane and ineffective. There are currently movements within Mexico to educate municipalities on the use of sodium pentobarbital as a means of euthanasia. Doug Fakkema of AIPA and The Summerlee Foundation expounded upon the benefits of ousting electrocution in favor of sodium pentobarbital, which is inexpensive and not patented. He is now involved in a program in Monterrey to distribute sodium pentobarbital throughout Mexico.
- Non-surgical sterilization: Dr. Carlos Esquivel of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) described his three-year study using Neutersol in 10,000 male dogs in Mexico, in collaboration with Dr. Hugh Wheir of Animal Alliance. Chemical sterilization for both male and female dogs would prevent unwanted litters with less expense, less time and greater reach.
Bridging the Gap
Although most of the attendees were aware of other animal protection groups in Mexico, most had never met. For many, this was their first opportunity to learn more about each other. Everyone left with an increased sense of camaraderie and understanding.
"I want to thank the organizers for providing the opportunity to share experiences," said Marcel Romero Perez of the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "It's the first time that a forum of this type has been achieved in Mexico, in which all were present: animal protection organizations, university, government … and in which all discussed themes of common interest. I would like to keep fostering this effort in Mexico."
This event was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Patsy Moler. HSI sincerely thanks her for her kindness in helping animal welfare groups all over Mexico.
