Bann lisien eran or packs of stray dogs are a common sight in Mauritius. They are often found in the fields, on the beaches and in the settlements. Not all residents are friendly to the animals, but many try to help - with food and medical care. These dogs proved to be so friendly and kind that we gave names to the members of this pack and adopted two of their puppies. A year later, however, most of them had disappeared.
Most observers, especially those from countries where street dogs do not exist on this scale, instinctively want to help - especially when it comes to puppies. However, one solution to this problem is to sterilise the bitches, which some vets do at low cost. We have also found that many puppies simply disappear after a few days or weeks. It is unclear to us what happens to them.
Most stray dogs wander around in small groups or packs. If they feel safe and are not disturbed, these dogs can stay in the same place for a longer time, often in places close to people who give them food. These are two dogs from a pack of three that look like they haven't had the best experiences with people. We see them every night when we walk our own dogs, which we rescued as puppies. Sometimes they come closer to get some food. But the nearby sugar cane field always remains in sight as an escape route.
This dog is one of the street dogs who live as a loner. We called her "Blanca". In the street in a neighbourhood in Albion, she is looked after by the local residents, given food, shelter and occasionally cuddles. She is very attached to humans which means that she had an owner before who decided to put her on the street.
