When you think of Mexico, dogs probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But outside of the resorts and villas that most tourists associate with Mexico, things are different.
The country has the largest number of street dogs in Latin America. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography estimates that about 70 percent of the 18 million dogs in Mexico live on the street, born as strays or simply abandoned.
It’s a statistic that becomes overwhelmingly evident as you walk around. The street dog issue is a complicated one. While there are some irresponsible pet owners, much of it comes down to a lack of knowledge and limited access to spay and neuter programs — the keys to solving the animal homelessness problem in the country.
This is something that local animal groups are working to change. But they can’t do it alone, and travelers play an important role. The free spay and neuter programs that make the longest-term impact, helping to prevent situations like those.
According to PETA, just one unspayed female and her offspring can produce up to 67,000 puppies in six years. Cat Stats: A cat can have 3 litters a year, with an average of 5 kittens per litter. In 7 years, 1 cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats! Statistics courtesy of the US Humane Society
The clinic in La Paz addressing this issue is completely volunteer-run and held as often as possible aiming to educate community members about the importance of sterilization and perform the procedures at no cost for those who are not able to afford it.
Many times these dogs and cats (if left unaided) cause a health risk, as they often have parasites, and many other problems, as a result of roaming the streets and eating contaminated food.
Whenever there is an option street-dogs are taken in - check out Silverio, he arrived at very very bad condition 9 months ago, and now he can go to a home where he is loved and he gets a good life, he is a very good companion, has all necessary shot.
There are many Silverio's in need of help! As you can imagine do we rely a lot on donations from visitors to our beautiful city, an Eco-tourism hub on the Sea of Cortez / Gulf of California. This support has basically seized to exist due to the pandemic which reduced visitors -traffic to basically zero and a staunch supporter of years in time & financial support is at the moment not here.
We need your help!!
What a difference 9 month, attention by an devoted veterinarian and loving care does!!