IT IS one of the first things that visitors to Santiago,the Chilean capital, ask: “Why are there so many dogs everywhere?” Patricia Cocas, founder ofProAnimal Chile, an animal-rights group, reckons that some 180,000 stray hounds wander thecity of six million people; a further 80,000 are let out by their owners to roam as they please.The area around the presidential palace is a favoured hangout. Most mutts are harmlessenough—Chile is free of rabies, which helps explain why they are tolerated. But some attackpassers-by or chase cars down Santiago's main thoroughfare, the Alameda, occasionallyripping tyres with their teeth.
The government is now taking action. In her state-of-the-union speech last month, PresidentMichelle Bachelet announced a national sterilisation programme for stray dogs (the details arestill to be fleshed out). A bill on responsible pet ownership is due to come before Congressthis month. It envisages tougher penalties for those who abuse or abandon their pets, andthe establishment of a register of dangerous dogs.
Ms Bachelet is trying to make the pooches political, weaving them into a broader narrativeabout inequality. Chile's cities need affordable veterinary centres where pets can bevaccinated and sterilised, she said in her speech. “In our country wealthy people can do that,but people without money have no way of caring for their pets.” But she insists there will be nocull of strays. For now, the mongrels on the lawns outside the palace where she works cansleep in peace.