Question??

[minnie56]

I arrived into Cozumel last week on Brilliance of the Seas/Royal Caribbean.

We took a cab into town for some shopping and happened to see some Donkeys with their owners (Presumably) available for rides to tourists. I was quite appalled at the condition of a couple of these animals. They looked to be in poor shape...no water available nearby...and one could not bear weight on his back right leg. It really broke my heart.

I am not an animal-rights activist but I do absolutely believe in Humane conditions and treatment for all animals especially those being used for the enjoyment and business of tourists.

Anyone know of a governing body I could send a letter to and express my concerns?

I believe there's no second chance at a first impression and sadly this was mine. I quickly returned to the ship as I was so bothered by this and surely missed much of this stop as a result.

Tourism is a big industry to Cozumel I would presume and this is not in it's favour in my opinion.

 

[inkkognito]

IAs the owner of two Appaloosa horses (as well as two cats and a bird), I can understand what you mean. Here are a couple of email addresses for humane societies in Cozumel:
humane@gocozumel.com
E-Mail spca@cozumel.net
Hopefully one of them can point you in the right direction. Sadly, in poor countries where tourism is a staple, humane care of animals is often not a priority.
We did the horseback riding excursion through Disney there, and I was a little worried as I didn't like the looks of the horses when we visited Xcaret a while back. But Disney uses a place called Buenavista Ranch that had very well cared for horses. One of the wranglers even did a show with two horses afterwards and explained how he uses Natural Horsemanship techniques that he learned in the U.S. I was glad to see that there are some places that do treat their equines humanely.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[minnie56]

I have sent a letter...not sure if it will do any good..but I tried. :-(

You don't happen to know the spca for Curacao do you?? (Now you really must think me a crazy animal activist zealot!!!) I saw some awful treatment of dogs wandering the town whilst trying to lick a drop of water from a puddle. They were gasping for water and like bones....so sad.

I guess I know why I visit Disney so much...I must need the 'protected' feel of it. Reality of these islands bothers me when mere respect and kindness of all living creatures is disregarded.