Any one who has traveled in Mexico must have seen the plethora of dogs that roam the streets. Many but not all are homeless dogs. In many cases the local practice is to keep dogs inside at night and then turn them loose during the day. Dogs become pregnant and often unwanted puppies are left in the street under the belief that someone will rescue them. This is a practice that creates all sorts of problems. The street dogs gather in packs and often turn threatening, dogs are maimed and killed by cars, diseases can be spread from one dog to another, dogs become lost and cannot find their way back to their people-home, and feces enter the water system as a highly polluting agent or dry out and scatter in the wind to be breathed by people.
This is a social issue that, unfortunately, is not often addressed within the local communities. Economics plays a part as does a lack of public education and sensibility to the needs of dogs as pets.

When there is a strong community effort to take action, this action is often spearheaded by foreigners living in Mexico. This is the case with a wonderful group in San Miguel de Allende called Amigos de Animales. San Miguel has had a long history of volunteer efforts to rescue and help street dogs. This current group has evolved into a very effective organization that is having a positive impact in providing community education and in improving the lives of dogs and cats. The following information is taken from their web site: (amigosdeanimales.blogspot.com)

Our Mission
• We are dedicated to improving the lives of dogs and cats in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.

How?
• Curbing overpopulation via the spaying and neutering of pets whose owners cannot afford to pay.
• Educating children and adults about the care of and respect for animals.
• Working with the San Miguel Municipality to end the suffering of street animals and lost pets.

Our Philosophy
Amigos recognizes the value of animals and is committed to serve them because they lack the ability to speak for or defend themselves in the face of abuse, abandonment and neglect.

Our History
Amigos was incorporated as a "not-for-profit" Mexican association in October 2001 and started operating in February 2002. Since that time Amigos has spayed and neutered over 6500 animals.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and Officers and is helped by volunteers, all of whom work without compensation. U.S. contributions are tax-deductible.

The focus of the Friends on prevention, through community “spay/neuter blitzes”, is commendable and should be replicated in many other communities through out Mexico. If anyone feels that a donation to this organization is within his/her budget, I would encourage you to give. This is certainly a cause that needs help from outsiders and a donation is very welcome.
Their by-line says it all: they are the Voice of the Voice