What is particularly sad about what has happened here is that Athens was offered help from numerous groups from numerous countries, turned it down, waited until the last minute, then used mass poisonings to take care of the problem. According to veterinarians, it is a very long and painful way to die. Yes, we have problems in the US with strays but we don't throw out meat laced with poison to take care of it (cats who happened upon the bait suffered and died unintentionally). There are some areas certainly in our country with colonies of wild dogs. I wish puppy mills and cock fighting and dog fighting (esp useing kittens and puppies as bait) and a bunch of other issues would be addressed. But well, the idea of mass killings I think hits us in a sore spot-it just seems especially cold and cruel. It's just really hard to stomach. Plus their "shelters" are unattended, starving, pointless pens of strays... but I won't say more, not the point.
The Olympics, like any other event where all the world has it's eyes, is a prime opportunity for animal rights groups to make a difference. If not for the Olympics, who would even know about the situation and how they chose to deal with it? If there is a chance to focus on a problem, I don't blame animal rights groups for siezing the moment!
When the Olympics are anywhere, I hope animal rights groups will be there too (several years in advance as they were with Athens). I see this as great progress for our animal friends amounst the world of humans! Even a discussion is progress! I agree, the athletes have nothing to do with it! Writing a letter to Prime Minister is honorable and hopefully will make a difference! (Thanks moosmom and carole!)