Stray dogs are a big problem at the site of the Pompeii ruins. So much so, they were sited as one of the main problems plaguing the site.
Happily, a humane response has been developed in the form of The (C)ave Canem Project. The project promotes and facilitates the adoption of dogs by Italians and foreign visitors. Besides vaccinating and spaying, the organization also provide each dog with a European Passport making it easier for foreigners to adopt. The Project also feed and care for the dogs within the ruins.
I’d much rather bring a dog home from a trip than some touristy tchotchke. Wouldn’t it be cool if other countries developed similar programs for their stray animal problems? (thanks Jennifer!)
I have actually been to Pompeii, and there were stray dogs everywhere. Good to hear things are being done to help them!