The Belize Humane Society and Animal ShelterA Veterinarian's Perspective
By Rex Urich, D.V.M. In January of 2008,Oregon veterinarian Dr. Rex Urich volunteered his time and services to the Belize Humane Society in their first spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats. Following are his thoughts. God give them strength that cannot turn their eyes away. Caroline Bowen was given such eyes. She couldn't look away, and followed her heart against odds that a hedge fund trader would wither at to follow a feeling that something must be done to alleviate suffering and provide dignity to man's most fundamental of friends: Our Dog and Cat citizens. Humane Services for animals, like those in the U.S. and Europe, are the luxury of a society wealthier than the nascent democracy of Belize. Strays, called Pot Lickers in Belizean patois, roam without family attachments and populate in huge numbers that can be seen from your cab on almost every road and alley. They amble with a head-down stare - almost a drugged shuffle. Anemic, tortured by fleas, ticks and mange. Hollow stomachs with massive energy loss to milk production for pups and kittens growing like life-sucking tumors- who will soon join the shifting waves of pet refugees. State sponsored strychnine-laced meat poisoning programs thin the herds by violent demise. Mrs. Bowen and a small coterie of devout animal lovers sponsor services via shameless begging and fundraising in their attempts to care, treat and house needy animals with little government support. Financial support comes solely from tourist donations and local fundraising events such as the selling of t-shirts and dog bandanas at the Fort Street Tourism Village, the local cruise ship terminal. These needs are met in the U.S. by municipalities who provide animal care in association with various established humane organizations. Pushing the heavy rock uphill, these dreamers envision a world bettered by kindness and care for our pet caste-offs.
Jan 26-27, 2008: 120 dogs were given free Rabies vaccines by the Health Department. Two Vets and 2 assistants spayed or neutered 30 pets, making a beginning dent in the problem. Over the next two years, given the average reproductive rate, this amounts to 10,000 fewer animals born. The turnout was half of what was expected because of the lack of budget for education and advertising. Many other impediments must be overcome to change the established thinking about why population control is needed. The Belize Humane Society feels this protean effort will have a ripple effect when neighbors talk after seeing the benefits of breaking the cycle of unfettered production of puppies and kittens. Time will tell. In the mean time they rescue, treat, rehab, and find homes through their work at the small shelter site west of town --- all with donated time and moneys. Working wonders with what they have is evident to visitors from Stateside. Each species is kept in large common areas. Forty to fifty dogs of all ages and breeds live in amazing harmony, as do the cats. Dirt and gravel surfaces are the norm and conventional shelter sanitation is a luxury here. Outbreaks tear through these conditions like wild fire, but mostly life is good here for these castoffs. De-wormers, skin parasite medicines, and vaccines, when available, really ratchet up the quality of life compared to those that didn't get brought in. It is positively surreal to sit at a picnic table and be swarmed by this many dogs of all sizes --- aquarium-like is the best analogy --- and they are all peaceful interactive and happy. Placing pets in homes is very difficult (hence the large numbers of permanent residents). There are budgeting constraints on outreach, promotion and education. Connections with various humane groups and thoughtful, selfless individuals have brought many pot lickers to homes in the US. It would be like being on the ground floor of the abolitionist or women's suffrage movements when you discuss the needs and list of obstacles ahead for this Belizean movement. Every last BHS volunteer will sigh and shrug when discussions occur and then inhale and puff out their chest with infectious optimism as you see their mind's eye visualizing the dream they all share. Much like churning butter: after countless repetitive efforts, suddenly these good works will gel and a beautiful product will be born. With a few key sponsors, donations, and infrastructure improvements, positive momentum can catalyze very quickly. Of course, nothing succeeds like success, As the facilities improve and the community awareness grows more folks will want to be onboard this winning team | 
Come by and visit them? They'll be available in 5 weeks.get your reservation in soon.
