Does concern over the poor of other countries above our own poor extend to dogs?

Question

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2007/September/24/local/stories/05local.htm

I have a cousin VERY active in animal rescue, and I assure you that many, many unwanted strays are put to sleep every day in THIS country. What about them?

Am I the only one who is less admiring than offended by this?

Thomas, my main concern is that somehow these dogs are supposed to be more special because they are foreign - to the tune of air fair and quarantine paperwork on top of placement costs.

Answer 1

Yes. As a volunteer for a german shepherd rescue that currently has 34 german shepherds awaiting homes, I find this extremely offensive.

Answer 2

I think Animal Rescue volunteers are caring things just a bit too far. Look what they did tho in Desert Storm saving Camels when there is an over abundance of Camels running wild in Australia. Or in Afghanistan/Iraq (I think that's where it was) when there was an earthquake over there and people needed tending to with blankets, food, water, shelter, etc, because they lost their homes, and other goods and items, even lives. Yet the animal rescue volunteers went to rescue the stray/homeless cats, and dogs. Same thing for Indonesia with the tsunami. America can't take all of them either.

At least just across town in my area, we have a no kill shelter that has volunteered all their time and resources, along with the neighboring surrounding areas where people who have stray and wandering cats can trap them and bring them in to be spayed or neutered. Then when the cats are somewhat recovered, they are turned loose again in the wild where they can't reproduce at will.

Answer 3

I have been to mexico a few time in many different area and the dog population is totally out of control down there, there are perros everywhere. There are rescue clinics (run by americans and mexicans) that try to neuter as many as they can but its an impossible task. The mexican government is doing nothing over this matter and that is where the start of a solution to this problem should be.

Answer 4

I would rather Americans try to help the poor here in this country like the poverty-striken folks down in New Orleans who still can't get decent water or housing.

Some of the poor in Mexico might not be exactly spoiling their pets, but that's a different culture. Heck, I don't agree with people eating dogs and cats, but some Asians don't havea problem with it.

Answer 5

I am always amazed at people who turn a blind eye to poverty here in the United States, but will fall all over themselves fighting for another country, doesn't charity begin at home?

I am happy for the dogs, at least they are safe but with the cost of airfare saved, can you imagine how many dogs here at home could have been rescued instead? Hopefully they at least are careful who they adopt these dogs out to so all that effort (and money) won't be wasted...

Answer 6

No, you aren't alone. My son volunteers at an animal shelter, and there is a significant problem in this nation regarding abused, neglected and abandoned animals. This is another example of misguided loyalty. When this nation solves it's own problems, then that would be the appropriate time to assist in aiding to solve others. But it should be limited to aid, not doing it for them.

However, I'm not surprised by the disregard of their dogs well-being, considering their lack of regard for their truly poor in Mexico. They would perhaps be more deserving of true aid and a more worthy cause.
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1008/p07s01-woam.html

Answer 7

It's stupid to import foreign dogs. I don't have any particular allegiance to dogs born in America over those born in Mexico or anywhere else, but if your main concern is saving dogs, then of course, they should start with the ones that are more local.

Answer 8

I give to animal rescue organizations before I give to human rescue organizations. People can find a way to help themselves. Dogs don't have all the resources (no opposable thumbs, etc.). I can't be concerned with the poor of other countries; we have our own problems.

Answer 9

I am offended- this is idiocy.
It's not like they couldn't find dogs in America to rescue.
Last time I checked we euthanized hundreds of animals in my county alone last year.

What blows my mind is how the article stated they euthanized their animals-electrocute them with car batteries? What kind of sicko came up with that?
Poison them with strychnine? That is sick business.
They too busy using their bullets on people to spare one for a sick animal?

Answer 10

Sounds like a familiar problem, doesn't it?

I just wonder how many MORE times Mexico's needs are going to come before America's needs! How many times are we going to take what they don't want and put them in places we don't have?