It is estimated that more than two million animals roam the streets of the Dominican Republic. Some were born without ever knowing a kind touch, and others were beaten, ignored, or discarded when they were no longer useful.
This report reveals the invisible wounds of animal abandonment in the Dominican Republic and the daily struggle of those who, with faith and without resources, decide not to give up.
Not all stray dogs end up on the streets by accident. Some were discarded as if their lives didn't matter.
"It makes me very sad to receive dogs abandoned here by people who maybe fall in love with a puppy in a park at Christmas and then in the summer they go to Europe... and they can't think of anything better than abandoning it at a gas station," said David Rodríguez, a volunteer at the Blanck Foundation.
Shadel Henríquez, director of the Peluditos con Futuro Foundation (Fundapef), confessed to having rescued female dogs that were bred for sale and then when they became ill as a result of the number of litters they were forced to give birth to and could no longer become pregnant, were thrown out onto the street.
"When they are no longer profitable, they are thrown out onto the street and end up here, at this shelter. Then, once they are in this condition, nobody wants them. Why? Because they are ugly, because they have cancer or a tumor."
Animal abuse is not limited to abandonment or violence. Neglect is also part of the problem.
"Many people are not aware of what animal abuse is. In December, they come and give you a cute little dog, and you keep it in your house, tied to the ceiling with a leash. That's animal abuse," denounces Jessica Pereira, a communicator and advocate for the cause.
According to Henríquez, it is common to see people pay up to US$4,000 for purebred pets to project social status without worrying later about the quality of life they offer these animals.
"The vast majority don't know the commitment that comes with owning a purebred dog. The vast majority don't know that a French bulldog you buy off the street suffers from many health problems, and that a low-income person who spends US$2,000 on a dog can't afford to buy US$4,000 worth of food for it."
In a country where animal abandonment is not yet an institutional priority, those who help usually have to do so alone.
"We have been in five shelters because we have not been able to have a permanent one for ourselves. This place is lent to us and we are rehabilitating it, refurbishing it to improve the conditions for the dogs," said Ivette García, president of the Fundación de Blanck.
More than 70 dogs and approximately 30 cats live here, depending on donations from charitable people to survive.
"We need many things here. Sometimes, when a problem doesn't affect you closely, you don't feel it... that's why you who help us to be seen are also saving us," adds Rodríguez.
From disinfectants, vaccines, medicines, and food (such as meat, chicken, eggs, fish, watermelon, squash, green bananas, and any type of dog food) to paint, boards, nails, wood, and, of course, money, every donation is necessary and welcome at the shelters.
"If you could donate $100 a month, it wouldn't be a big change for you, but for us it means knowing that we can count on you," says García.
When Jimmy was rescued, he couldn't even lift his head because of the beatings he had received from two men who were about to end his life because "he was too annoying."
"They were holding him with a rope around his neck. One was stepping on him with his foot, and the other had a stick raised. All I could say was, 'What's going on? Don't hit him.' I think I got there just in time to save his life," recalls his rescuer, María Eugenia Ríos.
The dog was taken to a shelter called Fundación de Blanck in La Cuaba, where David Rodríguez took him in.
"He arrived completely terrified. He spent a whole day trembling with fear... but with patience and a little love, anything is possible," he told the newspaper Hoy Digital.
Months later, Jimmy became a loving and playful dog who spent his days at the shelter waiting for a family to offer him a real home.
Dogs like Jimmy only survive when someone takes action. That's why every gesture counts: adopt, donate, share, report. That's also protecting.
For donations, assistance, or volunteer work, you can contact the shelters through their respective social media accounts: