Located just east of Madagascar, the French Island of Reunion is truly a tropical paradise. Every year multitudes of travelers choose this magical mecca for their Indian Ocean vacation destination. In recent years though, the carefully tended reputation of this tourist designation, has been marred by reports of what many animal activists have called the most horrific form of animal abuse ever. According to a National Geographic report, local fishermen are using the island's stray dogs as live bait for sharks.
Live Dogs Used as Shark Bait on Reunion Island
In 2005, Paris based organization, 30 Millions d' Amis (Thirty Million Friends Foundation) or TMFF, sent reporters and a film crew to the island of Reunion to investigate rumors that live dogs were being used as bait by locals who make their living fishing for sharks. President of TMFF, Reha Hutin, was highly instrumental in exposing this horrific practice and she says, "There is no value to the life of a dog there", and strays are viewed as vermin and a nuisance. For this reason it was difficult to get the locals on board for change, but as more photographic evidence and details of the inhumane practice were disclosed, even the most passive of the island's inhabitants became enraged.
Legislation for Change
Thanks to the concerted efforts of various animal rights groups and canine welfare organizations, this brutal practice has become all but a thing of the past. The implementation of newly designed laws and legislation allows for severe penalties and punishments for those caught participating in the use of live dogs for fish bait.
When confronted with news of this practice, the French embassy in Washington state claims the stories have become exaggerated and the practice of using dogs as shark bait is most likely associated with local amateur anglers and not common among the commercial fishing industry.
Even so, the embassy also agrees with the need to end this inhumane practice on any level.
In another example of an attempt to put a stop to this incredibly cruel practice, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, out of Washington state, is reportedly offering $1,000 reward to any Reunion Island police officer who makes an arrest of an individual still using dogs as bait for fishing.
Solutions for Stray Dog Over-Population on Reunion Island
In a report from the National Geographic Society, by Mary Ann Mott , the French territorial island of Reunion was populated with an estimated 150,000 unwanted and vagrant dogs. These dogs not only posed a public nuisance, they were forming packs and becoming dangerous. Even the most passionate animal welfare activist understood the need for a solution to Reunion's over-population of homeless stray dogs.
Since these stories broke there has been tremendous efforts put forth on behalf of the Reunion Island's problem and many organizations, locally and around the world, have stepped in to help. In an attempt to minimize the overpopulation issue, the Thirty Million Friends Foundation has financed an animal spay and neuter program. Further efforts include; veterinarians are required to report any animal suspected to have injuries associated with being used as bait. Reunion Island police have increased their inspections of fishing boats, effecting and devising new ways to incorporate methods of detection for those trying to circumvent the new laws.
Thanks to animal welfare groups, and diligent police work, the latest reports are promising. Many of the Reunion Island strays are finding homes and police reports of dogs being used as shark bait have become non-existent.
Sources:
Carillet, Jean Bernard & Presser, Brandon " Lonely Planet Mauritius and Seychelles" Travel Guide Dec/2010
Mott, Mary Ann; National Geographic News, 19 Oct 05, Accessed 20 Oct 11.
Valerie Modreski - Ms. Modreski has worked as a writer for over 30 years. Valerie began her career on the editorial staff of the Broward College academic ...
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