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Wildlife

Letter to the Editor
A Story About Nosara's Beach Attack Dogs

From George Reinhart

It was after the attack by a large black dog that bit the back of my sandal as I tried to pedal my bicycle faster that I decided I was not going to be the hunted anymore. I had been chased a half dozen times and I was going to fight back! So I armed myself with a stick. Actually more like a club that I hoped was big enough to give the next attack dog pause after being whopped on his canine head, hopefully before he found his stride, won the race and sunk his teeth into my ankle.

I like dogs. In fact, I have owned a dog most of my life. I also like to ride my bicycle on Guiones Beach at low tide. I don't go particularly fast because I am there to enjoy the ocean, the beach and the sights. But, the beach attack dogs take a lot of the fun out of it.

To be clear, not every dog attacks. I credit their owners for having trained them well. That leaves the dog owners who have not trained their dogs as the real problem here. What makes any dog owner feel that they can allow their animal to attack a person on a public beach? There is something seriously wrong with them— the dog and the owner.

How do I know that a chasing and barking dog is going to attack me? I don't, but it is a reasonable assumption when you are being chased by them. And, I have a sandal with a small chunk missing to bolster my suspicions.

This morning two dogs gave chase as I rode the beach. After my third yell of "Hey," the owner (an older Gringa in a colorful hat) called to her dog. I never heard an apology but by that time I had put some distance between us, my adrenalin was flowing. I had my club at the ready but I don't really want to use it until it looks like I am going to lose the race.

So what's to be done about the beach attack dogs and their owners? I am not in favor of leashes because I know the satisfaction of taking your dog to the beach and watching them run and swim. But, I think that any dog that gives chase is the responsibility of its owner. And, I think that they should be fined for bringing an untrained animal to the beach. Further, I think the fine should be substantial. Maybe as much as $100. And, what about the beach attack dogs that win the race and find an ankle to bite? This one is very easy— put them down. Plus fine the owner $1,000 and all medical costs. I bet we would see an uptick in better behaved dogs on the beach. Or at least fewer beach attack dogs. That would really be a nice improvement to Guiones Beach.

The opinions expressed in this section do not represent the opinions of this newspaper.


 

More Community News

Consumer Commission Fines Samara Hotel for Not Including Taxes in Advertisement

The Technical Support Unit for the National Consumer’s Commission has issued a fine to the hotel “Villas Playa Samara,” for alleged false advertising.

New Nicoya Library Inaugurated

Nicoyans came out by the dozens to celebrate, together with teachers, students and stakeholders, the inauguration of a new library for the city this past Thursday November 15th.

Families Inside Refuge in Peladas Can Get Hooked Up to Water Service

On Tuesday, November 13th, neighbors that live within the refuge area of Playa Peladas started digging trenches to install water pipes, with help from AyA and the Nosara Development Association.

Chopping Down the Guanacaste Tree in the Heart of Nicoya Outrages Many
Minicipalidad said that
tree impeded construction of the new plaza

The broad leafy branches of a Guanacaste tree that provided shade for decades in Nicoya's park in front of the historic colonial church has been chopped down, saddening many for the loss of a tree that symbolizes the culture of Guanacaste and Costa Rica.

Letter to the Editor
A Story About Nosara's Beach Attack Dogs

It was after the attack by a large black dog that bit the back of my sandal as I tried to pedal my bicycle faster that I decided I was not going to be the hunted anymore. I had been chased a half dozen times and I was going to fight back! So I armed myself with a stick.

Google More Popular than Books at School Libraries
MEP Aims to Transform School Libraries into Resource Centers

The Google Internet search engine has become the best friend of students when doing homework. Since the speed of searching for content in digital texts is more comfortable for students than hunting amongst various books for the information they need, the number of visits made to school libraries has decreased notably.

Santo Domingo’s New ASADA Board Considering Options for More Water

Santo Domingo finally has a new board of directors for their ASADA (Water Administration Association), and the new board will continue efforts to obtain a new water source that can supply the community with sufficient water during dry season.

CREAR Hosts Club for Samara Kids

After giving the park in Cantarrana a facelift, CREAR now hosts Kid’s Club there Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Each day has a theme.

The Woman who Survived the Aftershocks of Criticism

On September 5th, when the municipal building started shaking and glass started falling around her, Vice Mayor Adriana Rodriguez Cardenas knew this was it: the big earthquake that had been predicted.

Unsung Heroes of the Earthquake

Moved by the stressful situations of many families after the September 5th earthquake, several locals have stepped up to offer their time and their resources to help.

Tune into Radio Samara

Samara now has its own internet-based radio station, known as Radio Samara, with two local radio personalities using the on-air names of Raul and Dave (not their real names). The radio station was launched at the beginning of September with 30 days of nonstop music with no repeats and no commercials.

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