Documentary shows the plight of Mexico's street dogs

While animal activists in the U.S. argue over how best to deal with America's pet overpopulation problem, their counterparts in Mexico are fighting far more rampant pet overpopulation.  What's worse is that homeless dogs are often electrocuted, rather than euthanized by injection as is the norm in American shelters.   

A recent documentary called  "Companions to None (Companeros de Nadie)," the first film by director Bill Buchanan, addresses the issue and its underlying causes.  Our colleague Deborah Bonello at the La Plaza blog reported on its release last month:

The hourlong film is an unflinching commentary on the overpopulation of stray dogs in Mexico, who even outnumber us humans in some regions. Macho culture, argues Buchanan, goes some way to explaining why Mexicans are so reluctant to sterilize their male dogs. There is a common belief in Mexico, according to his narrative, that sterilizing a male dog will make the dog "gay."

A recent discovery near Mexico City hammers home the importance of the issues addressed in "Companions to None," as Bonello explains in a follow-up post:

Animal-rights activists in the state of Mexico -- which borders Mexico City -- are up in arms following the electrocution of more than 200 dogs found near a dump last week.

The News reports that although several shelters offered to adopt or administer lethal injections to the animals, which were picked up when the dump was shut down, city veterinarians went ahead and put them down through electrocution after insisting that the animals were too dangerous to adopt.

A rescue group called Save a Mexican Mutt (SAMM) offers a hands-on way to help the street dogs of Mexico: adopting them.  You can follow the progress of SAMM's rescued dogs on the group's blog.

--Lindsay Barnett

Photo: A still image taken from the documentary "Companions to None." Credit: www.companionstonone.com.

Comments

[Eva Eduardo]

Anyone interested in the subject of street dogs should check out the following trailer: http://www.streetdogsmovie.com/trailer.html

This film is set right here in our very own Los Angeles. You may not realize it, but we have a huge problem of our own when it comes to homeless dogs (and people!).

Not to take away from the Mexican street dogs, of course. They all deserve better!

[susan]

I lived in Mexico for almost five years. As an animal lover, I was exposed to heart-wrenching abuse and neglect of dogs and cats. I did what I could while there to support assistance to abandoned street animals through volunteer work. Before I returned to the States, I adopted an abandoned five-week old puppy left howling under my apartment building and brought her back to LA with me. One small gesture that certainly doesn't dent the situation, yet to me it warms my heart to have given Chiquita a good home.

[Pam]

I have fostered several dogs for Save A Mexican Mutt and can tell you that these dogs are wonderful and deserve a chance for a good home. They were rescued from horrific conditions yet they still love humans and just want a comfortable home where they are loved and protected. No animal or human deserves the life these pups have had. Whether they are American or Mexican dogs---please adopt a rescue pup or kitty!!!!!

[David]

I have lived in Mexico almost five years and I cry almost daily when I see the abandoned and abused stray dogs here. I carry food in my car to give them and am more than sad when I have to leave one behind on the street. I posted a video on youtube about when I found an injured dog on the street. My youtube handle is N5129R.

I also Webmaster the Animal Shelter page for the local shelter. Today the Shelter celebrated the 1000th. adoption, and that's not counting cats/kittens.

I have two rescues with me and if I culd, I would take a million.

[Debbie in Garland Tx]

One of 'Save a Mexican Mutt' found it's way to Carrollton TX (Operation Kindness) and I was lucky enough to stop by and found the perfect dog. I have to large dogs at home and wanted a playful lap dog. I found "Max" renamed now "Cody". Cody is a black 17lb Spaniel Mix and is absolutely wonderful. Plus - he appears to have already been trained to potty outside! yippee!

Cody now goes for daily walks and plays during the day with Harley and Missy. They have the run of the home (hubby is at home during the day) and I get to cuddle and walk them every evening and weekend.
Thanks to all those that volunteer to rescue these dogs.

[Al Hummerich]

My wife and I live in AZ and adopted a Mexican street puppy who was extremely shy but has since come out of her shell and has been the greatest companion to us. We love her dearly and she brings us much joy and love everyday. We highly recomend this experience to anyone with patience and love to give.