Dog abandoned and starved to death at US-Mexico border

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by megan palin

These loyal dogs walk thousands of miles to the U.S.-Mexico border with their immigrant owners, only to be abandoned in the herd once they arrive.

Migrants trekking to the United States often bring pets or pick up animals along the way, unaware that the animals are subject to strict entry rules at the border.

Pets are also banned from federal processing centers, leaving many to abandon their dogs there and fend for themselves in harsh conditions south of the border.

Earlier this month, the newspaper discovered dozens of domestic dogs (now strays) roaming both sides of the border in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Many were simply left alone, like piles of discarded clothes, backpacks, shoes and children's toys on the banks of the Rio Grande.

Some people were injured. Even being handed a bowl of water caused many to flinch in fear.

Most people were starving and searching for food wherever they could.

Authorities, including the National Guard, are feeding and caring for animals encountered on the area's streets.

But this problem is much bigger than any well-meaning individual or group can tackle alone.

To protect the health of the American public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires dogs to have a valid microchip and rabies vaccination certificate before entering the country, with strict standards.

Dogs from countries considered to be at high risk for rabies, such as Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Belize, Bolivia, and Peru, or who have traveled to those countries within the past six months, are automatically It will be subject to inspection. They have been disqualified from entering the United States, causing problems for many people traveling from Central and South America.

Several animal rescue groups have launched missions to help local law enforcement reunite dogs with their immigrant owners, nearly all of whom are long gone.

Even if all other criteria were met, or even if the dog and its owner were illegally smuggled across the border, it's possible that they wouldn't have the documents or money to fly with their pet. It happens often.

Also, most buses don't allow pets on the grueling multi-day journey to other parts of the country.

The number of dogs at the border is also rapidly increasing, as abandoned dogs give birth to new puppies.

A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the Post that if the owner does not transfer the property to a friend or family member, the agency will “work with local authorities at animal health services, such as local humane shelters. We will consider whether we can accommodate them.” for the animals while their owners are in custody. ”

But the local shelter in Eagle Pass is overrun with the huge number of homeless dogs along the border.

CBP did not respond to questions about how many animals were rejected by the agency or what their fate was.

The problem also exists inland, with reports in Colony Ridge, a top destination for newly arrived immigrants, about 55 miles north of Houston. Several advocates told the Post last month that there were more than 1,000 abandoned animals in the area in desperate need of rescue.

“The situation is heartbreaking,” said John Luke, a military veteran who has organized animal rescue efforts near the southern border.

Independent rescue worker Lisa Noble said the area was home to hundreds of starving and emaciated dogs at any one time, “maybe even more.”

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) confirmed to the Post that it has received reports of migrants bringing “a variety of animals, including guinea pigs and small dogs” to the U.S. border.