Most families have a pet; a dog or a cat, or both and these animals have become an important part of the family nucleus. As responsible owners we must take care of them, love them and respect them as living beings. Now what
happens when we disrespect the laws of the country and do not value other living beings such as wildlife and people seeking a place for recreation as in a National Park?
According to the Political Constitution in its article N ° 50, we all have the right to enjoy a healthy and balanced environment, in article N ° 8 of the Law of the National Parks Service, it specifies the prohibition of introducing animals within protected areas and in Article No. 20 of the Regulation of Public Use of the PNMB prohibits the entry of pets and domestic animals. Why is there legislation? Dogs and cats are hunters by nature and these interactions with wildlife can generate stress, injuries and in the worst case the death of wild animals. The transmission of diseases, some of which have no cure, can generate epidemics that affect monkeys, raccoons, coatis, among others. Dog excretion has bacteria or viruses that can transmit diseases that even affect humans. On the other hand, dogs are easy prey for crocodiles and caimans that inhabit the ecosystem of the National Park. Among other reasons, dogs can exhibit unpredictable behaviors before many people and bite if they feel threatened, endangering the safety of adults, youth and children.
The officials at the National Park Marino Ballena (PNMB) cannot expose the health and welfare of wildlife and tourists within a protected area. Remember that these laws were created primarily to protect the species that live there and their ecosystem.
By Stephanie Mory
CONTACT: Stephanie Mora – Subdirectora Parque Nacional Marino Ballena pnmarinoballena@gmail.com
