The Navajo Nation is a 26,000-square-mile American Indian reservation in Arizona and New Mexico that contains an estimated 160,000 stray dogs and cats. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 180,000 residents on the Navajo Nation. Proportionally, there is one homeless dog for almost every resident and at least six stray dogs for every square mile. The inability to pay for veterinary services has lead to this overpopulation problem, as 43 percent of Navajo people live below the poverty level, the per capita income is just above $7,000, and the unemployment rate is 42 percent.
There are differing opinions regarding the dog’s role in the Navajo culture. Some believe the dog is considered sacred, “a spiritual people” that should be respected, not feared and pushed aside. Others feel Navajo tradition is that the role of the dog is to guard the home and herd the sheep, not to be kept as pets. According to the Navajo creation story, when the dog was in question the holy people asked, “What are we going to do with this animal, should we do away with this animal?” The dog replied, “No, I will be forever the watchdog, my place will be at the door.”
The Navajo Nation lacks an effective Animal Control Program and adequate animal shelters. Currently, there are only five Animal Control Officers employed to address animal control issues for the entire Navajo Nation. These Officers can only provide “priority” services, such as bite cases and livestock damage, and not aggressive enforcement of laws, vaccinations, adoptions, pick-up of stray/unwanted animals, dead animal disposal, and assisting with spay/neuter clinics. Over 3,000 reports of attacks and other dog problems are filed in one year.
According to Navajo Nation Animal Control Laws, pets must be fenced in or tied up, vaccinated, and licensed, and all animals must be sterilized before adoption. During “roundups” or “animal sweeps,” Animal Control Officers check all strayed and loose dogs, usually in a physically rough manner. Loose and unlicensed dogs are impounded and can be reclaimed for a $25 fee, and other fees and citations may apply. Unclaimed dogs are euthanized, and at times more than 100 dogs are put down in a week.
Many dogs on the Navajo Nation show signs of disease, starvation, neglect, and abuse. Some have never experienced human care. The two most common diseases on the Navajo Nation, distemper and parvovirus, can be prevented with vaccines. There is a serious lack of funding and a long history of budget cuts for shelters and clinics, yet when mobile spay/neuter clinics offer free services, not enough pet-owners come forward with their dogs.
On the Navajo Nation, there are more dogs than bones to feed them. Their over-breeding is a sign of a real lack of human care and responsibility. These are dogs, not just piles of bones on the side of the road. All dogs should have a home and be properly cared for. They cannot exist as wildlife.
Emma Kisiel | Contributor
Emma Kisiel is a Denver artist working with photography. She is currently pursuing a BFA in photography from the University of Colorado Denver. In her work she discusses the role of the animal in American society and how we as 21st century humans experience wildlife. She spends her free time collecting taxidermy and dead animals and riding her bike around Denver.
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