Save the Satos

Puerto Rico has a stray dog problem. Tens of thousands of homeless canines — hundreds of thousands, by some estimates — live and die on the streets and beaches all over this Caribbean island of almost four million people.

Strays are referred to as “satos” in Puerto Rico. “Sato” is a derogatory term for “street dog” and usually refers to mutts. Purebred dogs are generally more highly valued on the island. Many islanders treat the satos as a nuisance, as pests, vermin to be kicked away. Satos are routinely abused — poisoned, shot, beaten, cut by knives, burned by acid or hot oil or boiling water, deliberately hit by cars — or simply neglected, left to fend for themselves. And, on their own, they breed; strays are born to strays and the problem literally grows.

More…