Calypso
Posted : 9/3/2006 11:25:37 AM
I think it's very much a matter of education and awareness, both for the people in North American and the "offending" countries. I feel strongly that people need to look to those in their own country first whenever possible, but if you can do something for suffering animals (or people) in other countries, then it should be done. I know many don't agree with me and feel that wherever the greatest need is, that's where their support should be and I support their desire to do that.
As far as specific things to be done, unfortunately I don't have a lot of ideas. Here's what I did come up with. None of them are Earth shattering, but they're a start.
1) Boycott tourism of places that don't support animal welfare. But do more than boycott, contact the tourist agency of the country and tell them *why* you're boycotting. I was going to try to talk DH into a trip to Greece in the next 5 years or so, but will most likely not be doing that now.
2) Spread the message of people who are doing what they can in these countries. Ask permission to tell the story of the vet students who spent time in Central America vaccinating dogs, the emigrant to China who does what he can to help the local dogs of his village, the Greek ex-patriate who is trying to get some kind of animal welfare laws established in her own country. How many people heard of Darfour before NBC's Ann Curry and other celebrities happened to find out about the situation by chance? Not many, but those that did hear made sure to get the message out.
3) Ask those actively involved in the cause what you can do to help. Can you send money to whatever shelters exist there? Organize a collar and treat drive? Ask drug companies if they'd consider donating vaccines to the cause? Write articles?
4) Turn your trip into a working vacation. If you still want to see the beaches of Greece, the rain forest of Central America, the phenomenon that is Shanghai, go, but find out how you can help the animals that live there before you go. Maybe it's spending a day giving flea baths or distracting dogs as they are vaccinated. Perhaps taking pictures for publication or setting out meals is more needed.
5) If you work with a humane society, particularly one in the Northeast where there tends to be a bit more space in shelters, find out what needs to be done to transport a dog from a country in need to the US. Just figuring out the channels and paperwork could be a huge help.
As far as deciding where to help - pick whatever your heart chooses. If you have family, friends, or heritage in a country known for animal cruelty, perhaps that's where you focus your efforts. If a particular story or picture moves you, work to help that country. It doesn't seem to matter where you focus your efforts, much help is need in so many places.
And, I'll risk attack by jumping on my soapbox for a moment. People took the time and effort to berate ShepherdLuvR over the pictures she posted and ultimately were edited. 4 pages of circular "discussion" and one person decides to try to make it positive and directed everyone to this post. Almost 24 hours later and NO ONE had anything to say here?! I find that more digusting than the pictures in dispute.
I found these web sites to places you can contact to find out how you can help in less time than it took for me to read 4 pages of kvetching. Don't worry. None of the home pages that I list here have graphic pictures on them.
http://www.friendsofdogs.net/ - Help for dogs in Korea
http://www.liberalartsandcrafts.net/contentcatalog/animals/dogrescue.shtml - Dogs in China and other Asian countries
http://www.helpinganimals.com/ga_china.asp - Dogs in China
http://www.skilaki.co.uk/ - links for how to help in Greece
http://www.greekanimalrescue.com/how_to_help_menu.htm - Greek Animal Rescue site
http://www.saveasato.org/ - Ways to help the street dogs in Puerto Rico