Animal rights or wrongs
By Mauri Formigoni

Latest talk on the news for 2008 is about new studies on animal rights, which bring up many possible interpretations. Should not a tiger that attacks a spectator be killed? Or, more practically, can we not keep dogs chained on the roof with a bucket of water and food occasionally thrown up to them among the poop and leaves?

When a family breaks up, are the dog or cat to choose with whom they will live? My daughter lives in a town that is very politically correct—the animals do not have “owners” but “caretakers” and these caretakers must be scrutinized carefully (financially, psychologically and philosophically) to see if they are worthy of owning a pet. While we at the SPA often wish that we had some control over new owners, we do not. Yet we are heartened to see well-behaved animals accompanying their owners everywhere. Some are rarely on leashes and stay close simply by voice command.

I worked at one time for an animal research lab and, after seeing experiments done, I suspect that animal rights groups are working hard to address those research trials. Fast food restaurants have been boycotting inhumane chicken producers.

In Mexico, rooster fighting and bull fighting are national sports but have been banned in other countries. At a recent Shelter conference we met animal advocates from Mexico City who were working to decrease the incidence of animal fighting in this country. Locally, we took a first step by canceling the running of the bulls, an especially morbid ceremony in San Miguel. What can we do to encourage a new awakening for children, so that they are respectful and kind to animals regardless of tradition? They are our future.

Recently we brought a favorite cat to the Jardín—Lala, a nine-month-old Siamese with her first litter of two eight-week-old kittens. She has gorgeous blue eyes and her kittens will be weaned by the time you read this. She is ready for her own loving home. Does she interest you?

Another excellent animal is Rusty, a calm, sweet, young adult female dog. Contrary to her name, she is white and resembles a shrunken Retriever. Please consider her for your family.

The Sociedad Protectora de Animales is located at Los Pinos 7, just off Calzada de la Estación, near the main bus station. We are open Monday–Friday, 11am–2pm. Call 152-6124 to make an appointment with our vet, or to ask Rosa about volunteering or adopting.