The picture of the drowned dog… what a paradise the Virgin Islands are! After leaving the islands I realize how much stress from my life is removed in not having to see the daily animal cruelty. I go on a bike ride and don't have to pass the starving dogs in Smith Bay, the starving tied up horses in Bovoni or the scrambling terrified cats at dumpsters. I haven't seen a case of animal cruelty in almost 2 yrs now. I cycle by pastures of fat cows and gallop my island ex-race horse over miles of trails, I run along a trail where people walk their dogs that are all healthy and happy. Animal cruelty is a felony here: you won't see it. Plus the fact that people have a definite respect for life.
I remember making a huge effort to stop the cruelty when I lived in the islands… it was useless. Everyone just accepts it and as long as it is accepted, nothing will be done.
I saved one horse and four cats from a life on that island: I think everyday they thank me for it and are so happy. I was pleased to see Rita Roth getting two horses off the island.
As long as everyone accepts the status quo and listen to their elected senators shoot down an animal cruelty law as saying "it makes the islands too Americanized" there will never be a change.
Charlotte Morris
Round Rock, TX
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