Some 350.000 Dogs Roam The Streets of Costa
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Some 350.000
Dogs Roam The Streets of Costa Rica
Dirty and drinking water from sewer pipes
and puddles is the life of an estimated
350.000 dogs in Costa Rica, according to the
Nacional Protectora de Animales (ANPA) -
animal protection group and the Servicio
Nacional de Salud Animal (Senasa).
The streets dogs, especially in many areas
of downtown San Jose, cannot be missed.
Some so skinny their ribs protrude the skin,
sick and hurt is all in a dogs like in the
areas of La Uruca, Pavas and "la Coca-Cola".
The downtown parks and markets are full of
street dogs or "zaguates" as they are called
in Costa Rica, looking for a scrap of food
and some kindness.
The ANPA says that behind every sick and
stray dog there is an irresponsible owner.
Gisela Vico, president of ANPA and Yayo
Vicente, director of Senasa, say that many
dog owners call themselves such for simply
throwing a dog a piece of meat and a place
to sleep, but never wash the dog or care for
its health.
The street dog is a myth, according to Vico
who has headed the ANPA since 1998.
"Practically every dog has an owner that let
the dog loose", said Vico.
The animal protection groups say that not
only many dog owners not care for their
dogs, but they abandon them, leaving them in
front of the steps of the shelters or take
them to places far away from their homes.
Lilia Schog who runs the animal shelter, the
Asociación para la Protección Animal de
Costa Rica, in San Rafael de Heredia, says
dogs need a home, someone to care for them,
they cannot live in shelters, nor can they
survive on the streets.
According to the World Society for the
Protection of Animals (WSPA) there are an
estimated 1 million dogs in the country and
35% or one third are left to wander the
streets.
Dogs need care and attention, like daily
walks for regular exercise to avoid stress
and illness and should not be left alone on
the streets, as well as constant veterinary
attention.
Another problem facing dos is a proper diet.
Many dog owners in Costa Rica give their
dogs table scraps. Dogs need a balanced
diet, full with vitamins, that is contained
in dog food.
Another problem faced by dogs in the country
is being tied by their owners, some for long
periods of time.
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