Hi Katie
Yes, stray dogs (a.k.a. pothounds) have become a big problem in recent years. You are quite right, you shouldn’t touch or pet them. They’re infested with ticks and fleas and mange is a common problem. Although not common, rabies is not unknown.
The dogs on the beaches are normally very friendly and it can be very easy to fall for their pathetic look and feed them, but this is the worst thing you can do – they’ll just pester you non-stop. This is particularly true if you’re renting a villa. Don’t feed any stray animals. You may like animals but the next guests at the property might not and will suffer for your ‘kindness’.
I’m told that the government is very aware of the problem and wants to do something about it. I even heard that there would be dog wardens patrolling the beaches and dealing with the problem from later this year, but I’ve heard nothing more so this may have been a bit of hype given to me to allay visitor concern. I do understand the problem however. It isn’t compulsory for owners to fit their dogs with collars, so it’s impossible for a warden to tell whether a dog is a genuine stray or whether it belongs to someone. Dogs on the beach may well belong to a fishermen or local people who live nearby. Local dogs ‘hang out’ on the beach because they know what suckers so many visitors can be.
The following photographs illustrate what suckers some tourists can be. This is Tiny Tim, a little six-week old pothound we met on Grafton beach in February. The lady in the picture obviously has not read any of the advice I give on the subject in
myTobago. She would benefit from a husband who can advise her better.
Oh, I’ve just realised who she is. Sorry Jill!
