Neighborhood in Lima, Peru Takes on Noise Pollution by Passing 1 Dog Per Apartment Law
When it comes to pollution, Lima has it all. The air is contaminated, the water, the sky, the streets. Pollution is everywhere.
I was quite surprised to read earlier today, that among all of the possibilities, a neighborhood in Lima has taken a stand on the issue of noisy, barking, scurrying, dogs. Who would have thought that noise pollution caused by dogs would get a group of Lima citizens up in arms?
Without a doubt, the level of noise pollution in Lima is tremendously high. When combining the cacaphony of sounds that arise from traffic, parties, animals, and so on, you will be hard pressed to find Lima residents who at some point have not been annoyed by the constant tapping of their ear drums. For this reason, I think there is merit in passing a law that attempts to limit noise pollution in Lima. Whether or not targeting the population of dogs as a method to control noise is the right way to do it– I’m not sure.
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According to Reuters, the middle-class Lima neighborhood of Jesus Maria passed a law this week that restricts each apartment to owning no more than one pet dog and each house in the neighborhood to two. Those individuals who have more dogs than the acceptable limit will face steep fines of up to 700 nuevos soles (~$250). The justification in the law is worded as such: ”neighbors have complained they cannot live in peace, harmony, or good physical and mental health because … noisy dogs disturb the peace.”
While many people who read this news might have the knee jerk reaction of saying this law fundamentally violates peoples’ freedom to own how ever many pets they choose, I would offer the suggestion that some of these dogs and other household pets do not have a high quality of life. They are sometimes left in small spaces all day, with little attention, and rarely get the opportunity to go outside (yes, this happens in other parts of the world as well). Of course, there are other pets that do receive lots of attention, love, and live in healthy environments.
I’m not sure though that limiting the pet dog population will necessarily decrease the noise in Lima– will lonely dogs be more likely to bark? And with the high number of street dogs in the city, will a law regulating the pet dog population be effective? Will there be unhappy residents of the neighborhood who protest the law and try to get it revoked? I’m looking forward to finding out.
Read More About Laws Restricting Pet Animals on the Green Options Network:
Photo Credit: quinet on Flickr under a Creative Commons license
That’s a dog?!
It is– a special breed unique to Peru called the Peruvian Hairless.
I’m pretty sure that’s a Gremlin.
You’ve gotta be kidding!!! With the way people go racing around othewise quiet neighborhoods in their flatulation machines (otherwise known as CARS - with ridiculous aftermarket exhaust systems), the constant BEEPING, the crazy ice cream vendors with their beyond annoyhing “cornetas” - blowing them like they’re trying to kill somebody with them, the unending car alarms being played with - on purpose. With all this, somebody is complaining about DOGS??? For crying out loud. I’m American, living in Peru, and I tell you, I have never seen such inconsiderate, and passive/aggressive behavior in my life, resulting in noise levels that are beyond my comprehension.
how come you dont speack about the abusing position from the quimicals your country sale to us, how come you dont speack about the oil that they spare to be taked to your countrie, be more honest in your point of view, as hole
Dave–You’re attacking the entire country of the United States, you idiot. Sure, we have our problems (probably no more or less than any large, imperial nation), but we are speaking of noise pollution. Also, you write like a ten year old.
I agree with Lee–the noise pollution in this city is disgusting. When I first arrived here a few days ago, I was totally in love with Lima. I looked into apartment rentals in several neighborhoods. I even made a couple of appointments.
Two days later I’ve changed my mind. The noise pollution in Lima is out of control. I live in New York city–in Union Square. There are times of the day when I can count on obnoxious, distracting construction that forces me to close my soundproofed windows. My neighbors play classical music that floods the courtyard, and the occasional car alarm goes off, too. I’ve been to France, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy. Nothing compares to the amount of noise pollution in Lima.
After three days staying here I’ve been absolutely appalled by the constant noise. From baying pigeons to honking horns and–worst of all the incessant dog-barking, the noise has totally deterred my interest in living here to learn from the people, the culture, and the unique (to me) geography and climate of Peru. I wish I could record an MP3 of what I’m listening to just as I type this.
These sounds are ugly because they signify greater problems. The honking speaks to congested traffic and poor regulation. The pigeons, to pest control issues, and the dogs to anxious, poorly treated animals who require more humane treatment from more responsible owners. And, ugh, the sounds are just maddening.
Something must be done about this serious issue, as this unique, colossal and powerful city deserves much better.