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On a less shallow note, this post is going to feature some of the dogs that we have encountered during our recent trip to Vanuatu Islands. With parasites, a variety of possible skin infections, scarce food, and a culture that doesn’t consider dogs as “Pets”, life can be pretty tough for dogs and cats in Vanuatu.Dogs are just animal and get treated horribly. I personally assisted at kids throwing stone at a poor little one for no reason and men beating their dogs harshly with sticks.
Buba, 2 years old. he lives in Luganville with its mum and dad Marie and Louis, owners of Hibiscus Motel. He's very well looked after and loved.
Stray dog of Luganville, Espirtu Santo, 2015
Vanuatu Islands are a developing country facing, like other developing countries, several other health, economic, social and political issues. Animal Welfare is not their top priority.
The majority of Vanuatu’s dogs lives on the streets eating whatever they can find and often starving for days. Many of them belong to the villagers, however, having an owner doesn’t make any difference as they are still not given any food or looked after.
Dogs of the Vunaspef Village, Espiritu Santu, 2015
Feeding, vaccinations, giving water, washing, or even showing the minimum sign of affection are not activities contemplated in Vanuatu. Life expectancy is about 5 years. Dogs typically die suffocated by heartworms or rabies. Coats are covered by itchy fleas and flies, which cause the poor animals to constantly scratch and bite their skin until wounds are caused. These wounds get infected producing terrible bleeding patches.
Dog of the Millenium Cave Tour Organizers, Luganivlle, Espiritu Santo, 2015. He actually had a name but I forgot.
Talking with some expats, I have found out that there is only one association there to help Sam’s Animal Welfare Association. They administer vaccination, host de-sexing events, and educate communities about the importance of animal health. Given the poverty of infrastructure in this archipelago, they can’t reach everywhere~ but they do good work where they can. Jill’s Café, in Port Vila, has a bookstore for tourists in the middle of the café, and the proceeds of which will go to support the work of Sam’s.
Mokly, Port Orly, Espiritu Santo, 2015. Me and Mokly became very good friends as he was the dog of some fishermen living right next to me. I gave him a little pet and a cuddle when I arrived and he never stopped to follw me for my entire stay at Port Orly. I taught him how to sit and stay.
Blacky, Port Orly, Espiritu Santo, 2015. More shy and reserved than Mokly. At the beginning I couldn't even get close to him. I gave him some food for my entire stay and he would get it and then run away to eat it somewhere else.
I do not want to indulge into the bigger issue of animal cruelty as this is beyond the scope of Almost Famous, however, lack of education on how to treat animals appears to be the main cause of such behaviors. Although sterilization and vaccinations are of remarkable help, I suppose they do not address the main cause which is the lack of perceiving animals as creatures that do suffer and have feelings as humans. Such values are not contemplated in most developing countries cultures, not taught at children by their families nor at school. A cultural shift through behavioural change seems to me an important step to minimize cruelty against animals. However, it can only occur through educating natives, especially younger generation, on animal welfare and rights, conducting awareness campaigns particularly in the most remote areas.
Dogs near Oyster Island, Espiritu Santo, 2015. They were adorable, very playful and happy. The owner throwed stones at them once he saw they were playing with me.
We are not too sure how yet, but this is an issue in which Almost Famous - and hopefully its 15 readers - would like to be actively involved with. We are in the process of doing some research and post more info in the incoming months. Please get in touch with us if you want to be actively involved in the initiative or have experiences to share. In the meanwhile, with 200 millions stray dogs across the globe and 2.7 euthanized every year, you can make a difference by adopting a third world pet here
Ok they are cows and not dogs but I thought It was pretty cool that in Vanuaut cows go to hang out at the beach.