The truck sped away leaving plumes of dust 10 feet up in the air and covering the width of the dirt road. The “dumped” mangy, pregnant dog ran to catch up to its human — to no avail.
It happens every day on our stretch of country road. Helpless, they take cover in brush and grass, feeding on other dead dogs, carrion or trash strewn on the side of the road until they die and become food themselves. If the image of a dog (real) with a wire wrapped around its neck with his head swollen to three times its normal size does not bother you, or what I have said so far, then stop reading.
I have reached out to get help in re-homing these dogs. Generous people, and a small rescue has helped with some dog food. I have contacted an out-of-state rescue that is going nowhere, not because they do not want to help but because they have so many others in line. I have called Hidalgo County Animal Control and they tell me they are limited to eight dogs a day, but now shelters are full. If they pick up more, their rule is — get this — they will re-dump them in the area they found them. I am in the process of emailing a great majority of rescues in Texas, hoping that these animals will be saved.
Yesterday there were 14. Their ribs show; four we have seen have mange. One is “missing” today and probably having her pups in a nearby orchard and there are new ones very often. Most of them are shy and wary of us harming them and will not come near. Others are friendly and recognize my voice when I call.
By no means am I alone with this problem. There are hundreds of abandoned, thrown-out/dumped, like trash, on our county roads. Yes, I am pulling at your heartstrings. We have a big problem in our Rio Grande Valley. Do owners who do this believe the animal will be saved by someone? Honestly, I do not think they give it another thought once they are out of their sight.
What is the answer? How about hidden cameras on the roads where there is an abundance of dogs dumped? Fines? No fines, but only hours and hours of mandatory community service at an animal shelter, cleaning cages or helping euthanize (ugh!)?
How about education, like TV spots in English and Spanish and informational sessions, including colonias? How about totally free neuter and spay for all?
We get lots of thanks and prayer hands and they are appreciated, but these prayers should be accompanied with action. Even a little “action” to address the problem helps. What can every one of us, with a heart for this issue, do? What other ideas do you have?
Lastly, I am asking for help to create a non-profit clearinghouse of information, education and coordination with this agency, of all the rescues in the Rio Grande Valley (and counties) — a place where people will answer questions point-blank and help without dodging the problem, and coordinating to help rescue and refer the public for help.
I am new to this, but I have met people who want to help, but need support in order to “rescue” these quickly-forgotten throw-aways. It is a long process from making the connection to trying to catch these helpless victims and I admire and praise all who do this, simply because they care to make a difference — with no excuses and in spite of having families and work.
What can every one of us, with a heart for this issue, do? Should we “mobilize?” Should every person who is bothered and cares for animals call the “people in charge?” What other ideas do you have?
Mr. Ever Villarreal, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, other commissioners and city mayors all over the Rio Grande Valley, help us to help them.
Yes, the cities are joining together to become “no-kill” shelters and that is a start, but don’t stop there. Help take steps to get these dumped animals the chance to live in peace and in loving homes.
Betty Ramirez lives in Mission.
