Starving Dog as "Art"

HSI

Millions of street dogs like this one need help.

Word has spread around the world of a 2007 incident in which Costa Rican artist Guillermo Vargas featured a starving street dog as “art” in a Nicaraguan gallery. Reportedly, Vargas wanted to make the point that the starving dog on the street is ignored but, when placed in an art gallery, becomes visible, leading to outrage.

After seeing images of the dog on Youtube and other websites, thousands of angry people have signed online petitions demanding that Vargas be excluded from the upcoming Central American Visual Arts Biennale show in Honduras.

According to local animal welfare organizations, the dog was in a state of starvation when he was captured from the street for display in the exhibit—not unlike millions of other street dogs in developing countries. HSI has been informed that the dog spent one day in the exhibit and later escaped the gallery.

Although conflicting reports exist, we condemn Vargas’ actions and the use of live animals in exhibits such as this. Even if he wished to bring the larger picture of the state of street animals to the attention of the public, exploiting an already-suffering animal is unacceptable. An animal welfare organization in Honduras is keeping close watch on the case and assures us that Vargas will not repeat his objectionable exhibit there.

Unfortunately, the lack of animal cruelty laws in Nicaragua means that no charges can be sought for the earlier event. HSI is currently assessing how we can assist the Nicaraguan government in developing such laws.

Excerpt courtesy of HSI

How can a sick jerk like that be allowed it scot free and perhaps have the chance to contribute to the art society by repeating the same exhibition again? This is absolutely revolting.

I seriously rather believe in those hearsay and not give this bastard another chance at abusing and killing another harmless poor pup that is just minding his/her own business roaming the streets, looking for scraps.

How can a human being, made of flesh and blood, starve a dog for ART, and claim himself an artist. I would spit at all those people (if i see them) who go for the exhibition to look at the poor mutt, sympathizing its plight yet do nothing about it !!???

All beings are humane in their own ways and deserve to live. There is no one living in this world that was born and deserved to die in such a cruel way. We, as human beings are so-called of higher morals and intelligence should know better than to torture a poor animal to death. We have a choice to decide, to be benevolent to animals that do not pose a threat to us when we don't provoke them. We can survive on our own ways of survival to improve our lives; we plant, we can treat our own water, we have chef to cook up fabulous world class cuisines, we have designer apparels, bags and shoes. But the animals CAN'T and DO NOT have these privileges, why can't we LEAVE THE ANIMALS ALONE to survive on their own ways ??!!!

It has happened no doubt of my rage. However, to show my anger and to support the millions of people who boycott the stupid, idiotic jackass of the century, I've signed the petition online against him. If you feel the same rage as I do or more sign the petition.

These animals cannot speak but can only suffer in silence, but they have the right to survive. One day when he/she dies, it is answerable to GOD because the BLOOD is on Their HANDS.