Is It Time for a Leash Law in Bocas?
Bocas has always been a place that attracted people seeking a simple and more free life, away from the rules and rigidity of more developed places. But as we keep growing, sometimes we have to accept changes we were previously able to avoid.
Loose dogs have always been an issue in Bocas. And while spay programs and rescues have helped a lot, it is still a problem. Because it is not just stray animals, people let their family pets wander freely with no care on how it affects the community, the wildlife and their own pets’ safety.
Dogs are being hit by cars on a weekly basis. While speeding, better roads and careless drivers are a factor, we also must hold pet owners responsible for allowing their dogs to go in the street in the first place.
Pet poop, this has always been a problem in Bocas, animals relieving themselves everywhere and no one picking it up. With a leashed pet at least the owner can be held accountable.
Human safety is another major concern. A dog bite is not something anyone wants to experience, and a small child can be very seriously hurt. It’s not just the wound, but the infections that can come with it. Why should anyone be at risk of dog bites when in public?
Plus there is the devastation dogs and cats unleash on wildlife. Dogs commonly dig up turtle nests and destroy them, they attack and kill sloths when they come down from trees. Cats kill birds and small animals.
Article 11 of Law 70 of 2012 requires animals to have identification tags which include the name of the animal and the owner’s telephone number. Enforcing this requirement will help hold owners accountable for their animal’s behavior, as well as helping the owner be contacted when their animal is injured or found.
It’s understandable that people want their dogs to have time to run free, on a day at the beach for instance, and I think there is a middle ground that can work for both sides.
I propose that all of Bocas town, up to the Feria arch be designated a leash zone. There is zero reason for a dog to run free in town. Beyond the arch, the rest of Isla Colon and other islands, we should have a law that all animals must be accompanied by their owners if they are off their own property.
The new barriada on the Drago road already has rules in place for the community pets which are working well. Animals running free and bothering other residents is not tolerated.
Of course, like any new law in Bocas, enforcement will be an issue. But new local law is at least the first step.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Bocas Breeze or its editorial staff. If you are interested in contributing an opinion article, contact editor@thebocasbreeze.com.
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4 Responses
What type of enforcement is in place in the barriada on the Drago road so that “Animals running free and bothering other residents is not tolerated.”? Perhaps that can work throughout other communities in Isla Colon as well?
Who is going to enforce this new law? Laws can be made, and the saying goes, “Laws are meant to be broken.” We were given house numbers and that was to provide garbage pickup for the neighborhood, however, the law is not enforced. There is no one who enforces the laws. The police are too busy with criminals. Aeronaval is too busy looking for drug runners. So, I ask agsain, who is going to enforce the laws?
If a new enforcement regarding bocas is implemented, I’m concerned that dogs will spend the entire day on a leash, much like many other dogs unfortunately do. That would be animal cruelty, and there’s already so much of it in Bocas. I believe that if a new enforcement is made, it should also include a requirement that owners don’t keep their pets on a leash all day and that they are obligated to take their dog for a walk at least twice a day, ensuring the dogs are also properly cared for.
How is this enforcement working in the Barriada? And can it be guaranteed with 100% certainty that dogs are not being mistreated there?
We humans tend to solve problems according to our own preferences and then ignore the problems we create.
So, if you are suggesting a leash law, then also suggest a law that helps dogs, so we can finally end animal cruelty towards them.
From one of our readers, via email:
“As the original person building the app and compiling data for Keep Bocas Wild, a significant percentage of reported dog attacks on wildlife happen in Big Creek and up Bluff, as well as the other islands. Sam, from The Sloth Institute in Costa Rica even remarked the percentage of dog attacks on wildlife is much higher here than what they see. The Sloth caretakers on the island have also said these are off leash pets, not strays putting wildlife in danger.
Not to mention I have had guests encounter neighboring off leash dogs threatening them in our private backyard, and also stepping dog crap all through our property, which isn’t fair, or being a good neighbor.
I would love to avoid additional laws. But I would also love to see something done to protect the wildlife, tourists, children and the neighborhood from dog attacks. Papa Gato has posted gruesome photos of wildlife attacks, and baby sloths without their moms, so what will it take for pet owners to be responsible? Is a law the only option?”