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There's an interesting article in the Daily Sun today about the problem of dead animals left on the road and how PR loses about 15 million on tourism because of it. One of the issues is how to get municipalities and governmental agencies to comply with a law already on the books for the well-being and protection of animals
The abuse of animals is not something I have ever been able to get used to here - seeing all the stray dogs and cats (there are an estimated 100,000) as well as the mistreated horses and yes, the disgust of seeing rotten animal carcasses week after week on the road. It wasn't that long ago that we had the scandal of employees from an animal control agency caught throwing 80 animals off a bridge. With only 8 shelters for the entire island and the common practice of **** fighting and pastimes leading to places like "dead dog beach" one wonders what it will take to change the public apathy or acceptance of animal abuse.
Yeah it seems to be a serious problem! When I drive around I think, "Every municipality must have a salaried job where someone goes around all day picking up animal carcasses". It's not only sad with the strays, but it can be dangerous and nerve-wracking. I can't tell you how many dogs I've had to convince to not attack when I first moved.. they're obviously smart enough to pick up on the fact that I am from somewhere else and they don't like it one bit! It's especially sad because I love dogs
Well, no law in the world will work when it's counter-culture. Traditionally, Puerto Ricans are not particular dog lovers; most are rather afraid and/or rude to them. And many who have dogs do it simply for protection, to scare off intruders, or to be alerted when someone comes by.
That said, I think this could be a product of the island's colonial past; Europeans brought dogs to hunt down slaves. Somehow, the idea of dog either as enemy or as utilitarian is there ingrained in the collective psychology of the people.
[LEFT]"Juan Ponce de León, in his position as governor of Puerto Rico, used his dogs to put down slave rebellions and instill fear into the native population. His favorite war dog, Becerrillo, became notorious throughout the settlement."
Read more at Suite101: War Dogs of the Spanish ConquistadorsWar Dogs of the Spanish Conquistadors[/LEFT]
That said, I think this could be a product of the island's colonial past; Europeans brought dogs to hunt down slaves. Somehow, the idea of dog either as enemy or as utilitarian is there ingrained in the collective psychology of the people.
So what's your take on it? What's your unridiculous concept?
This is my theory from living 40 years in the island, always having a dog. I compare this to the experience of living 2 years in the mainland (with dog), where people treat dogs quite differently.
Puerto Rico is not a particularly dog-as-a-pet-loving society, period. Perhaps you want to argue otherwise.
i agree with traveler00 somewhat. after living in pr i moved to nyc and lived in wash heights for years. dominicans were the same way with dogs. Ponce de Leon had a vicious war dog that would rip your nuts off and i believe this was documented in by that one friar. he's pretty historically famous i just cant think of his name right now. de las casas maybe.
i agree with traveler00 somewhat. after living in pr i moved to nyc and lived in wash heights for years. dominicans were the same way with dogs. Ponce de Leon had a vicious war dog that would rip your nuts off and i believe this was documented in by that one friar. he's pretty historically famous i just cant think of his name right now. de las casas maybe.
No argument. I am saying that your statement about the dog's lack of popularity in Puerto Rico being due to Ponce de Leon having an attack dog and that because of this millions of Puertorrequeños have a negatively biased collective psychology towards dogs is....an entertaining theory.
You are correct in saying that dogs have a less that ideal status in PR, but it's quite a stretch to blame it on Ponce de Leon.
entertaining theory you say???? the streets will flow with the blood of the nonbelievers! Our attack dogs will rend your genitals. then you will believe!
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