Please do provide an update on this as I had received very distressing emails and photos about this exhibition including photos showing the healthy-looking dog to start with and it degenerating till the ''final moments''. I am absolutely appalled.

Posted by: Cynthia Chia | April 21, 2008 04:31 PM

It is amazing that people do not get upset over the brutality done to cattle, sheep, pigs, etc. Unfortunately, people seem to be extremely protective of their stuff and the satisfaction of their appetites at the expense of animals.

Regarding the poor starving dog, unless your Korean or Chinese, the average viewer doesn't want to eat the poor creature, therefore it qualifies for human outrage as far as the non-veg. viewers are concerned because lots of folks have a pet dog at home.

Posted by: Debby | April 21, 2008 04:34 PM

Please do what you can to stop this cruelty!

Posted by: Stacey Jamison | April 21, 2008 04:53 PM

THE HUMAN BEING IS SO CRUELTY WITH THE INDEFENSE E INOCENT ANIMALS, THIS IS SO HORRIBLE, WHEN I KNEW THE FIRST TIME ABOUT THIS I CRIED SO BAD, I CAN NOT ACCEPT THAT EVERY SECOND ANIMALS HAVE TO DIE IN SO CRUELTY FORMS, JUST BECAUSE THE HUMANS DON'T HAVE COMPASSION.

Posted by: liliana | April 21, 2008 04:54 PM

Fears for welfare of Korean dogs
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is proposing that dogs in Korea should be re-categorized as livestock, which would give the dog meat trade in South Korea legal status.

Some have suggested that this proposal, if accepted by the central government, would allow for regulation of the trade and improvement in welfare. WSPA argues that this would not be the case.

The reality of the dog meat trade

As dogs are not officially listed as livestock in South Korea, their meat cannot legally be sold. However, many dog meat restaurants do exist across the country and it is estimated that two million dogs are raised for food every year.

The primary concern of the South Korean authorities is for human health, as currently there are no sanitary regulations related to the processing or selling of dog meat. If the dogs are classified as livestock, regulations will be put in place and the meat potentially sold more widely.

Our partners in South Korea have evidence that dogs reared for food are farmed in appalling conditions, treated cruelly at markets where they are sold as live animals, and killed openly in public ways that cause immense suffering.

Unsuitable for farming

Advocates of the trade have claimed that legalizing the sale of dog meat would lead to improvements in animal welfare, allowing for regulations to be introduced. But in reality there is no evidence that the large population of dogs involved in this trade could be farmed, transported or slaughtered humanely.

While WSPA works to improve the welfare of animals that can be farmed humanely, such as the Model Farm Project, the behavioral and physical needs of dogs mean this species is simply not suitable for the meat trade.

The practices involved in raising and slaughtering dogs would remain inherently cruel despite any attempts at regulation. This science-based rationale is behind WSPA's complete opposition to this trade and to the re-categorization of any dogs as livestock.

A little boy plays with a dog of the breed typically used for dogmeat.
© AFK Supporter
Man's best friend?

There are approximately five million pet dogs in South Korea. With around 17% of the residents of Seoul, the capital city, owning a pet dog, there is clearly a fondness for animals in Korea.

But while many dogs are much loved pets, some people believe that pet dogs and ‘yellow' dogs (those used for meat and are usually sandy in color) are completely different animals.

WSPA argues that classifying dogs as livestock would formalize this false notion of ‘pet' dogs and ‘meat' dogs being different, when in reality the various breeds of dogs used for meat are essentially no different from those commonly kept as pets. In fact, ‘meat' dogs have been adopted as pets and abandoned 'pets' have been found in the dog meat trade.

Fighting reclassification

WSPA respects the cultures and beliefs of the countries we work in, and have chosen to act primarily through local member societies on this issue who fully understand the cultural impact of the trade. We are currently working with our member societies in South Korea to identify the most effective response to the proposed reclassification to ensure we can have the biggest impact possible in the long-term.

WSPA is enabling South Korean groups, specifically Animal Freedom

Posted by: Holly | April 21, 2008 04:56 PM

Dear Sir or Madam,

Regardless of the arguments, regardless of the diatribes, regardless of the "humans are more worthy" essays; we, are only as worthy of humanity as "we" behave.
Stop this idiocracy, treat "humans" as we treat animals and vice/versa.

Posted by: mary schnueriger | April 21, 2008 05:09 PM

I think this is important because of the millions of animals abandoned all over poor countries. This poor dog represents the complete lack of empathy for the suffering of these animals by the more 'enlightened' and richer members of society of these countries. There is one shocking photo where people are having cocktails in the next room to where the dog is tied. This starved and dehidrated creature was in a terminal stage so whether she died in the sadist art exhibition or back out on the streets does not really matter because she was never given a chance! Her image is all over the internet so this sadist Senhor Vargas should most definitely be held acountable for this sick and callous crime.

Posted by: Maureen | April 21, 2008 05:31 PM

a number of people have equated pigs as having the 'same intelligence' as a dog or a human 3 year old and yet this particular speices of animal in the majority of the world is eaten in droves.. numbering in billions .. if this equation is indeed correct.. what is the difference between eating a pig (in the west) and eating a dog (in the east).. except that one is hairless and pink and the other is the furry variety..
at the end of the day.. eating an animal regardless of what 'species' it is.. is the same..
it is or was still a living sentient creature.. regardless of what animal 'species' it was..

Posted by: ellac | April 21, 2008 05:31 PM

Jack, that is such a great point. I'm always so shocked when I watch "Animal cops" and I see thousands of people calling in to adopt one abused kitten while ignoring millions of adult cats who did not get abused but are lying in misery in cold steel cages until the day they are destroyed.

Not that we should ignore an abused animal, but the cute and publically promoted should not be turned into the single trophies that Americans want. All stray and unwanted animals deserve homes.

I hope the law takes care of this shameless non-artist, abuse or not.

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | April 21, 2008 05:59 PM

I read about this last week and signed a petition against the artist. I enraged and just sickened.

And I think I am actually MORE disgusted by the MONSTERS who would enter such an exhibit believing this is what was going on (whether it was or not) and would not remove the dog and punch the artist in the mouth!

Posted by: Jane Hill | April 21, 2008 06:52 PM

I applaud you for keeping this horrific, ridiculous story undercover. I agree that it would not be helpful in any way to publicize or give attention to this ignorant artist. I would even go as far as not give his full name! But thank you for keeping us informed.

Posted by: Denise | April 21, 2008 07:28 PM

In 2007, Guillermo Vargas Habacuc, a so called artist, took an abandoned dog from the streets, tied him to a very short rope to a wall in an art gallery, and left a kettle of food on the other side of the room, beyond his reach, and left him there to slowly die of hunger and thirst.

The so-called artist of such cruelty and the visitors of the gallery of art watched the agony of this animal. The dog finally died of famine, surely after a painful, absurd and incomprehensible torture.

The prestigious Centralamerican Biennial of Art decided that this horrible act committed by this guy was art, and Guillermo Vargas Habacuc has been invited to repeat his cruel actions in said Biennial in 2008.

i seen this post on facebook and a few pictures of the poor innocent dog starving to death ,it broke my heart and i had to see if peta was aware of this sick man who thinks this i some great at creation.

Posted by: layla | April 21, 2008 09:01 PM

Noone knows if this is true or not however the pictures are enough to make a judgement. Pathetic to think that this is might be a stunt for PR noone in their right mind would buy anything from this idiot. He wants to be known as an artist then lets put him in a cage without anything and watch him rot. Kim

Posted by: kim | April 21, 2008 10:09 PM

"Yeah, I've seen something like this before, but what was it? Oh yeah, the HOLOCAUST. Thousands of people collected, subdued, and starved to death. Was that an artistic masterpiece? If you call this art, you'd have to call Hitler an artist, I mean after all he was trying to make a culturally altering statement as well. It's not art; it's sadistic, immoral, and completely disgusting. This poor creature did not deserve this, and neither does any other animal on the planet."

Posted by: Kristin Gleeson | April 22, 2008 01:29 AM

this guy makes me sick! if he fed the dog why could you see his bones! The dog clearly needed medical attention not put back on the street (if thats where he is) I hope someone steps in and punishes this "artist" his artwork sucks!

Posted by: karla | April 22, 2008 07:20 AM

I remember a friend sending this article to me and I also signed a petition because this murderer has plans to do this horrific "artwork" again.
I can't for the life of me find the email she sent me, but I will email her this morning and see if she still has it and send to you Jack.
This monster simply does not deserve to live.

Hello Debby,
We are with you all the way and have been for many years about the beloved farm animals. But things are now starting to change, hopefully.
When I use people about the horror's of factory farming they would put their hands over their ears and say, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT!
People are now taking their heads out of the sand and speaking out loud and clear.
Better late than never.
We have along way to go, but it has finally started.
Peace!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 22, 2008 09:47 AM

karla, according to some reports the dog was captured on the streets, already in an emaciated condition, and was only on display for one day.
I guess only Cynthia Chia would no for sure since she has the photos that prove otherwise. No one else does.

If indeed Vargas intention was to diplay the plight of the starving street dogs (how people take notice of the exhibit but would step over a similar dog in the street) his marketing needed some extra thought.

Posted by: rojo | April 22, 2008 09:59 AM

I'd be curious to know what laws this guy may be subject to as well. He would really hate to have me as a judge in his trial, trust me.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 22, 2008 10:23 AM

do you have or know where i can find the link to sign the petition to put a stop to this? I found this out through a friend on myspace and it wont let me go to the petition..thank you so much!!!

Posted by: Joey Turner | April 22, 2008 10:42 AM

I cant believe that they would do something like that who would be a nice person if they did that and that is why i care and have love for animals and i hope other people follow my example.becuase people who do that should be punished love:Sofia
aninal miricalist

Posted by: sofia | April 22, 2008 10:43 AM

Jack and Maya make a good point about all the other animals that are suffering in this world, yet some how, you'll have hundreds of people calling in about one abused cat or thousands petitioning this artist not to starve a dog.

I think that when you isolate ONE animal and show his or her suffering, people may feel that they can help. Anyone can start helping with one animal, right. People don't feel overwhelmed with ONE animal, as opposed to thinking of the millions of chickens in factory farms, that just seems away from one's reach.

Maybe Peta should look into making some ads that focus into one animal's long and painful suffering. I think this would personalize it for people.

Posted by: Jaclyn | April 22, 2008 11:06 AM

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION.
Thank You,
Judith

http://www.petitiononline.com/13031953/petition.html

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 22, 2008 01:50 PM

you know he really shoudl have starved himself and then do a 'self-portrait'.. much more apt..
silly stupid man.. so pointless.. so banal..
people KNOW what skeletal skin and bones animals look like .. we have seen them.. we know what skeletal starved humans look like too infact.. we dont' need a dumb dimwit 1/2 brained idiot to INTENIONALLY starve a dog in ORDER to produce his pointless 'artwork'..
what a dumb stupid pea-brained twit !

Posted by: yf | April 22, 2008 02:32 PM

PETA YOU TRULY ARE THE BEST. I AM SO HAPPY THAT I CAME ACROSS YOUR WESITE. IT HAS OPENED MY EYES AND I CONTINUE TO HELP OPEN OTHERS. GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

Posted by: MICHELLE VELEZ | April 22, 2008 02:57 PM

I agree with Jaclyn. There are many people in this world that want to help, but do not know how. They feel overwhelmed knowing there are millions of animals out there that need our help. I think that if each person tried to help just one animal, every animal would be taken care of in no time. People have to see things on a smaller scale rather than on the grand scale. The grand scale makes us feel inapt to help, but helping one animal is something that we know we can do.

Posted by: Amy | April 22, 2008 03:44 PM

ellac and Maya

I agree with you both. We should have the same outrage for pigs , sheep, deer, goats as well as for the adult cats languishing in sterile small cages. Put all of these faces in the forefront.
Peace! :)

Posted by: Ana | April 22, 2008 04:15 PM

I can't believe it, so many of you bring bile to my throat.

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 22, 2008 05:33 PM

hi maya, according to the humane society he didn't break any laws in his country. I'd suggest the laws need changed.

Posted by: rojo | April 22, 2008 06:02 PM

This is beyond barbaric. I heard about this with a petition online, and I desided to look into it (because it sounded like a hoax). Regardless if it is or not, this is purely sick. Ofcourse, with this type of art, these artists WANT to get a reaction from people. I took a contemporary art class at school, and you wouldn't belive the sick things people call "art". This is by far the WORST and most discusting.

Being an artist myself (painting and jewelry), this makes me outraged and slightly ashamed!!

Someday, that man will have to answer to someone beyond our control...

Posted by: Ashley | April 22, 2008 09:04 PM

I also sent this to Jack as PETA takes up causes all the time for individual animals. They target certain people for wearing fur and companies like KFC for the cruelty they inflict on animals. I agree that there are millions of these cases in the world but to highlight one and make a huge fuss about it will also help change the laws or thinking of people when they consider doing something so cruel and pathetic themselves. Remember the Micheal Vick story, well I'm sure PETA targeting him was also to tell everyone else that takes part in dog fighting that it is not acceptable not just to have a go at MV.

I also understand why PETA doesn't want to give this monster the publicity but as far as I'm concerned the negative publicity would not be good for him either. Maybe the whole thing is a hoax, let's hope so, if it is surely this idiot artist will make sure the facts come out to avoid the negative publicity he would be receiving.

Posted by: Sonia | April 22, 2008 09:17 PM

WE CAN DO THE SAME FOR OTHER ANIMALS. I HAVE MANY LEAFLETS FROM PETA THAT I LEAVE EVERYWHERE. I EVEN GO TO PET STORES JUST TO SNEAK A FEW IN THE STORES. I KNOW A LOT OF PLACES WILL DISCARD THEM BUT JUST THINK IF YOU COULD REACH AT LEAST ONE PERSON A DAY HOW GREAT IT WOULD BE. IT WORKS AND EVERY BIT COUNTS. MY CHILDREN ALSO BRING THINGS TO SCHOOL TO OTHER STUDENTS AND HAVE OPENED SOME EYES. IT'S ALL ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE AWARE. THE TRUTH IS A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THEY ARE EATING AND WHAT IT WENT THREW FOR THEM TO EAT AND WEAR. IT'S UP TO US TO OPEN THEIR EYES.
I AM DESIGNING T-SHIRTS AS WELL AND WILL WEAR THEM FAITHFULLY.
GOD BLESS THOSE WHO SUFFER.

Posted by: MICHELLE VELEZ | April 22, 2008 10:36 PM

It's posters like Debby (and the like) that make me start to hate this site. I love animals, but the racism sickens me. Racism will only push people away, not make them want to try to embrace many of the beliefs espoused on this site.

Posted by: Jess | April 22, 2008 10:40 PM

has peta investigated and found out the truth behind this story of the artist starving the dog? If the story is true I hope it is doing something about it. I feel sick that something like this is allowed to happen. Of course all cruelty is dreadful but one should act on individual cases.

Posted by: rani dharker | April 23, 2008 04:33 AM

i have the photographs showing the dog'sdegenerations if u could mail me an e-mail id i'll send them across to u asap. its HORRIBLE.

Posted by: radhika b gupta | April 23, 2008 06:01 AM

RIGHT!
I was wondering why nobody brought this up....
We have started a group on facebook for it, and there is a petition online...

AND NOBODY IS STILLL TALKING ABOUT JENNIFER LOPEZ SWADDLING HER BABY IN FUR BLANKETS!!
Whats up with that??? Sometimes I think PETA doesn't try hard enough, or listen to the members.

Posted by: Amber Falobas | April 23, 2008 08:30 AM

The people in Korea and China make me absolutely sick to my stomach. WTF is wrong with them??

Posted by: Kathy Garrey | April 23, 2008 09:15 AM

Why is it that the Chinese and Korean's believe that the more a dog is totured - the better he will taste?? Has anyone seen the photo of the jerk tying a dog to a pole and pulling & pulling on it's tail until it died a long, extremely painful stragulation death? This is supposed to get the animals adrenalin up so it tastes better? Come on - are they that desperate & unfullfilled to believe in something? I don't care if they are American, Canadian or whatever - it's disgusting and cruel and they make me sick!!

Posted by: Kathy Garrey, Franklin MA | April 23, 2008 09:34 AM

Hello Jess,
You are absolutely right.
Animal Activists are suppose be be concerned with "ALL ANIMALS". I have learned so much on this starving dog blog about people I once had so much respect for.
My respect for them has died.
I am as disgusted as you are.
I thought PETA was a place that racism did not exist,
how wrong I was.
Animal Activists who are racists are dangerous.
They are the type of people that walk past one suffering animal just to save another suffering animal of their own liking. How sad and immoral.
Peace Jess!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 23, 2008 11:12 AM

Yes, I signed the online petition against this. Surprisingly, I found out about this through MySpace. Cobra Starship was rallying for this, and asking people to sign. There are a lot of signatures, and there are probably more. Hopefully there will be enough to stop this.

Posted by: Dove Bonet | April 23, 2008 11:17 AM

Its just a freakin dog. You people think its not gonna die anyway? Countless dogs starve, and why should anyone care? Billions of HUMANS starve every year too. How about you Peta people go feed them instead of wasting money trying to take food away from people. This is good art. In fact it is great art as it has effected all you people. This art should be exibited around the world. I would go see it. This is what art is all about and normal people like it.

Posted by: Dog Eater | April 23, 2008 12:39 PM

The pictures I saw of the dog DO NOT look like a dog that has been fed! Jaime Sanchez said Juanita Bermúdez came up with her story MONTHS after the incident. No matter what the truth is, people should not be interested in even looking at anything starving to death, shame on them!

Posted by: Melisa Korry | April 23, 2008 02:55 PM

Thank you, Jess and Judith, for speaking out. IF Koreans and Chinese really were the only culture who abused animals, it wouldn't be so offensive.

I have dozens of Asian friends who are vegetarian animal rights activists. They are just as horrified by this as everyone. They are not the exception.

If y'all think that animal torture is limited to Korea and China, I have about a thousand cases of animal torutre to share with you, IN MASSACHUSETTS ALONE!!!

Racism is disgusting.

Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 23, 2008 04:41 PM

@ Dog Eater, the dog in question here was kept on a short leash and had dog food nearby, which was kept out of reach the entire time. Quite different from dogs who are just starving on the streets. I'm only pointing out that difference because your post somehow makes me think that you missed it (or am I wrong and are you, as your name implies, just heartless?).

Posted by: Knight of Anfala | April 23, 2008 05:24 PM

ANIMAL CRUELTY IS WRONG AND VERY UPSETTING TO ME. I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE OR SUPPORT ANYTHING FROM ANY FAMOUS PERSON OR ANYONE AT ALL WHO SUPPORTS THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR...IT IS INHUMANE AND MAKES ME SICK!!

Posted by: Jessica | April 24, 2008 10:14 AM

to 'dog eater'since you are so appreciative of seeing these images of a dog that obviously suffered slowly and it was all 'intentionally' induced or starved to death in the name of 'art' .. and you find 'it 'quite 'artistic'.. since you obviously can't get enough of these/such images of suffering and misery and starvation, skeletal bodies.. you may as well go and visit an Auchwitz concentration camp memorial gallery and see how you feel after viewing same skeletal 'bodies' or victims of starvation except these are humans of course..
end of hte day.. for someone to 'relish' and enjoy and appreciate such images just simply goes to show you are some quite sick person wiht an even more debased mind and thoughts..
I pity you if you have friends.. most prob and highly likely.. none.. or if you do.. I pity them.. I really do..

Posted by: ella | April 24, 2008 12:17 PM

I am so sickend by this whole so called art.. I am a artist myself. ! And i think someone need to tie this guy up and not feed him any food and have people watch him starve . Then he will realize how it feels. He gives a bad name to other artist out there!

Posted by: Angie | April 24, 2008 12:55 PM

I was sickened when I was sent the email/petition with the pictures of the dog.

I myself rescue animals, and was very disturbed at the images and story presented in the email.

I have been an activist for animal rights since I saw a video when I was 18 (I am now 33), and have never, during that whole time, seen anything like what was presented in the email.

Please please keep us posted on the outcome of this case… I would really like to think that somebody, anybody, has some shred of human decency and will NEVER allow this again.

Posted by: Gabby | April 24, 2008 03:36 PM

@ dog eater. The story has affected us only because we have feelings unlike your horrible self. How about entertaining us by caging yourself for a month without food and water so that just maybe you can begin to feel what the poor creature went through. As for Jess's comment about this site being racist I think you're wrong dear. You may not like it but it's mostly in Asia that we hear about the cruel appalling fur trade and dog markets and whale hunting in Japan etc etc.
Besides peta has very often spoken about the atrocious baby seal hunting in canada and the cruelty which kfc supports. Yes all around the world we hear stories of animal cruelty but I'm sorry China, Korea and the rest of Asia beats them all.

Posted by: isabella peresso fiorentino | April 24, 2008 03:41 PM

re. IPF's comment.. whale hunting in Japan.. the Japanese diet is I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) is predominantly based on fish or seafood.. maybe prob more so than for land farmed animals.. thus for their hunting of whales and dophins etc. for their meat..
this is cruel.. of course. but is no less cruel than the rest of the countries in the world over including yes ... the US and all other countries who predominantly slaughter in just as horribel and brutal a way as the Japanese fishermen of land farmed animals in their billions for their meat..
this is like the kettle calling the pot black.. !
(the only difference here is that you can't 'breed' or 'farm' whales and dolphins and there is the concern of the depletion of these species in the oceans.. so in that light.. that's of concern.. )

Posted by: yf | April 24, 2008 06:37 PM

If the story of the artist is true - then he deserves to be punished severely for such extreme cruetly!!!

Posted by: Anita | April 25, 2008 01:39 AM

Does it matter what animal it is? no animal should ever be put through such a horrific ordeal and if he had had the power to protec that animal and bring it back to life then he should have.

I hope he lives with guilt and lack of respect for the rest of his life.

Posted by: Esther | April 25, 2008 07:57 AM

Oh good lord "Dog Eater"
Where do I even begin?
I love dogs. They mean very much to me.They are living beings that have all my love and respect. I would rather eat you over an innocent dog. People like you are very frightening and dangerous.You are very insensitive. I have a family of artists. This is no more art than the post mortem photographs serial murderers take of their victims ,if art is simply provoking a reaction of disgust. Personally I think you should go for a psychiatric evaluation. Enjoying suffering is hardly "normal". Animals matter just as much as people do. Many people on this site care about human suffering as well. You are in no place to preach to us. Are you living in slums devoting every ounce of your being to human welfare? I doubt that very much. Yes death happens obviously. It will happen to you and everyone here. That hardly justifies the docile acceptance or even enjoyment of suffering for cheap thrills. My art is not about sadism.I care about "freakin" dogs and other animals.We do not take food away from people. Peta promotes nutrition and I doubt many starving people will be running over to KFC or chowing down on a butterball turkey. You honestly make the bile rise in my throat.

I agree completely with the fact that cruelty is everywhere.We can pinpoint certain abuses in different nations but every country has blood on its hands. Whaling in Japan, The seal hunt in Canada, Factory farming and puppy mills in North America,the exotic animal trade worldwide,Trophy hunting in Africa, dog and cat fur in Asia,dog fighting in Mexico, Bull fighting in Spain, horse meat and fur farming in Europe etc. I have friends in Asia who adore animals and are vegetarians. I am Canadian and It would be unfair to lump me in with the seal hunt.However I do agree that there are some very deranged practices in Asia that horrify me personally (dog and cat markets,endangered animal trade,bear bile market etc) I agree that animals would greatly benefit if people displayed this same kind of horror regarding cows,pigs, chickens,rats,pigeons and the like.

Posted by: Annalena | April 25, 2008 11:41 AM

I was disturbed that this distorted story about the dog is so widely distributed. The internet makes it easy to replicate a misunderstanding, and human nature being what it is, it is easy to believe "those people" are capable of any horrible cruelty, because they are not like us civilized Americans. I bothered looking this up because I am Central American and know the culture, and it struck me as extremely unlikely that any educated Central American would have such a barbaric notion of art. According to the artist and the gallery, the artist picked up a stray dog from the street, fed him, and tied him up in the gallery for a few hours to make a point about something having nothing to do with animals.

This is believable. Sadly, in Central America, many animals are starving in the street. Besides a cultural resistance to neutering, years of war and natural disasters have created many strays and ferals, just like in Iraq or Louisiana. There is no safety net of animal rescue organizations to prevent displaced animals from becoming a permanent feral population, where so many humans have barely survived war, hurricanes, earthquakes, and destruction of villages and farmland.

Responsible artists condemned the use of a live animal as a display in which his emaciated condition was used as a metaphor for ignorance. The real issue is is it ever ok to use an animal as a display; I doubt any normal person from anywhere in the world thinks it is ok to torture an animal for art. Latinos are not monsters. Central Americans are just as sensitive to animal cruelty as North Americans, which is to say, most are not very sensitive but they are not sadists, either. If you care about animals in Central America, it would make more sense to to do outreach and offer the type of help that animals really need, like feeding and neutering programs.

Posted by: Sirenita Lake | April 25, 2008 09:15 PM

does anyone know for sure if story about the dog starved by the artist is true?

Posted by: jennifer harding | April 26, 2008 07:02 AM

THIS IS HORRIBLE!!!! Wht would someone want to put an inisant dog on the wall and watch it starve ???? then call it ART!!!! This should not be allowed and should be against the law!!! this is freakin retarted and insane!!!!! they are going to bring more art like thAT TO AMERICA!!! WE SHOULD BE AGAINST THAT!!! WHOZ WITH ME???

Posted by: Bonnie Hayes | April 26, 2008 10:33 AM

THIS IS DOWN RIGHT UNCALLED FOR, DIGUSTING,CRUEL AND THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE LOCKED UP AND CHARGED BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM CRYING SO HARD RIGHT NOW, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE WHAT @$%&IN
PEOPLE DO TO ANIMALS, AND THIS ALL NEEDS TO STOP NOW, AND BIG TIME CHARGES AND JAIL TIME NEED TO BE STRONGER AND LONGER IN ALL STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SAVE THE ANIMALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Tucker | April 26, 2008 10:43 AM

This demented monster needs the same treatment done to him! How barbaric!

Posted by: lisa salazar | April 26, 2008 12:15 PM

I am not saying these acts for the sake of art should be excused, but I am more shocked by the sudden interest of many non-animal activists on this! Obviously most people who read this blog ALREADY do something for animals, but all others who pass on the email with a petition against this artist suffer from a very serious case of HYPOCRISY!!!
"poor little dog" but then they do nothing to help all other poor little dogs and cats dying in the streets, which they pass on their way to work or whatever, EVERYDAY. I find this very very cynical.
I am not saying this artist did something right, but at least he stirred things up a little and made people more aware of cruelty - as opposed to those who stand up against him but then do nothing else the whole year for the animals!

Posted by: sara | April 26, 2008 01:30 PM

I cannot believe that PETA is missing such an opportunity. While incidences of animal cruelty should not be measured as all are equally horrific, PETA will participate in large protests against eating meat, but when something this disgusting occurs they suddenly think that not giving him attention is better. This reminds me of your lack of involvement in the Michael Vick case one year ago. Apparently PETA can only act when the stakes are low. When something that could change the laws and views of animal welfare comes along, it is not radical enough for PETA to get involved. Or perhaps PETA can't even be compared to reputable organizations who do make a difference (ASPCA & WSPCA).
Please do not think that I disagree with the importance of vegetarianism and boycotting fur and other cruel empires. But I do see the importance of one starving dog and an cruel. artist.
Perhaps PETA's new slogan should be:
PETA: If you can't boycott it then it's not animal cruelty.

Posted by: Lacee | April 26, 2008 11:20 PM

does anyone know if this is really true?

Posted by: jennifer harding | April 27, 2008 01:19 AM

PETA's "lack of involvement in the Michael Vick case", Lacee? Please do research these things a bit before forming your opinion!

Try Googling the terms PETA and Vick, then let me know how many hits you come up with. We really do make a habit of being right on top of these things. :)
-Jack

Posted by: Jack | April 28, 2008 09:37 AM

This is not acceptable, this is a crime. Both artist and viewer of this ''show'' are killer. I cant stop by self hoping to hear about them in the same position with the dog. If they accidentaly decide to put this ''show'' again I'll be there to cut the bond. My friends try to put an explanation about the philosophic part of the ''show'' the only explanation is that the artist is absolutely fascist and barbaric and probably out of education because he couldnt think that the dog is alive.

Posted by: Gunes | April 28, 2008 10:36 AM

Lacee, Did you not see all of the protesters from PETA at the Court House, NFL training, etc? It was HUGE on PETA.
My goodness, PETA gave this guy a compassion course.
I am also a member of the groups you mentioned, but use your search engine, please.

Annalena, wonderful post!
Peace, to all animals!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | April 28, 2008 12:50 PM

Oh Gods! How can anyone be so bloody heartless?

Dead or dying animals are NOT art...things like this only come from sick minds.

Is the human race devolving so much that we have come down to this as entertainment?

If you want Art go to a Museum . Geez this is just sick...

Posted by: Rainie M | April 28, 2008 02:59 PM

All of you are right but as some would say: the art is not measurable - you see it the way you wantto.
This happening is a clear evidence of something more serious - that the art as well as too many humans have reached the bottom without bottom. Art became a very good buisness - and ART in many cases means: selling big shit for even a bigger money. Vargas case happend to open our eyes and make us react more then before. Dont ask to stop the cruelty - get up and do what you can - whatever you do is better then doing nothing.

And for me the worse of all is that nobody aproached to this dog in order to help - this is a shame.......nobody just tried to do anything......this is something we should write about - the common ignorance and egoism of humans....

Ewa

Posted by: Ewa Zamiecka | April 28, 2008 05:46 PM

You just don’t get it do you? This isn’t about the DOG and it never was.

He chose a dog as his subject because he knew the uproar from the nations of the world where dogs are pets would draw attention to this exhibit. This was a clever move on his part, to choose such an emotional driver.

If we make this about the dog and flay the world with our moral outrage, then we don’t have to admit that we have kept walking when a homeless person approached us to ask for loose change, looking past them so we could pretend we just didn’t see them there. Never mind that we’ve ignored countless other unpleasant encounters and it is likely we will continue to do so.

If we make this about the dog, we’re not bastards anymore. We cry out for justice. We care. But we don’t, not really. Not in a way that helps anyone but ourselves. And even then we rationalize. The “Oh, if I had only known you needed help, I would have tossed a dollar or two your way.” helps us to sleep at night.

In reality, this display was about that old cliché, “ignorance is bliss”. If we don’t see the horror, it doesn’t exist, right? If we consign it to the corner of our eye, it won’t have to be in the center of our thoughts.

The artist made his point…we see what we want to see and ignore everything else.

Posted by: Anonymous3 | April 28, 2008 07:47 PM

to anonymous3,
no.. I htink YOU have lost the point.. it doesn't matter that he chose a dog. it could have been a chicken.. a turkey.. a duckbilled- plodapus.. a turtle a guinea pig.. anything.. (even a human being) it doesn't matter.. it was a living creature and it was suffering.. and he 'put it 'on display' instead of what a NORMAL person would have done. ie. to go to its assitance and to help the creature or at least make effort to ease it's misery and suffering.. instead he did the opposite.. he merely 'put it on display'as
a sick form of his 'art' Good God.. how sick in mind is that? frankly aside from the comments on the dog much of the attention has turned onto him.. calling him.. this and that.. all derogatory comments of course.. what kind of an artist would want to bring that upon himself? being reviled and castigated instead of 'praised for his artwork'.. as I said.. it wasn't becuase it was a 'canny move' to cause outrage and uproar .. it has merely proved and shown what a low low down debased character he is.. takes all sorts (even wierdos) to make up this humanity and planet earth.. doesn't it?

Posted by: ellac | April 29, 2008 03:49 PM

Anonymous3,

Hi - I just wonder, if the artist had chosen to chain up a five year old child and starve the child for his art display, would you rush to his rescue as quickly as you did just now?

Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 30, 2008 04:12 PM

Cynthia, I hope you come back to this website just to see that I am with you 100%. All I can say is YOU ARE RIGHT, and congratulations on being one of the few with a higher level of intelligence and compassion than most.

Posted by: Soe Hitchon | May 1, 2008 10:12 PM

Excellent point, Maya

Posted by: lynda downie | May 1, 2008 11:28 PM

Here's a thought: let's tie up Guillermo Vargas at one of his own exhibits and starve him to death!

Posted by: Renate | May 5, 2008 01:34 PM

Check www.Snopes.com. This allegedly happened in Nicaragua where there are no animal rights. I have heard Vargas stated on his You-tube site that the dog did die. He wondrered why noone stopped the exhibit. (They probably thought he would take care of the dog and not let it die.)

Also, let us show Vargas that we care about these animals by either sponsoring a dog or adopting one. The Gulf Coast Humane Society,(Florida) and I am sure many others, are having tons of animals dropped off becuase if foreclsures and cost of food. Owners cannot take care of them. Many will be put down. I hava a dog with no room to adopt another, but I am trying to spread the word. Urge evryone to adopt a cat or dog to save these poor animals and urge them to spay/neuter the ones they have. The shelters are running out of room and we all know what that means.

I am sending in donations and sponsoring a dog through ASPCA. If Peta has an adoption campaign, I will do it for that, too. Let us put our money where our mouths are!!!

Joan and Tabitha-adopted from Animal Svcs.

Posted by: Joan Capobianco | May 6, 2008 08:08 PM

THE PEOPLE WHOM HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS, INCLUDING THE ONES WHO WERE THERE AND LOOKED, BUT DID NOTHING, SHOULD ALL BE IN HELL AS JAIL IS FAR TOO GOOD, WHAT SEPERATES US FROM THE BEAST?? I WILL TELL YOU , THE BEAST ONLY KILLS TO SURVIVE, NOT FOR ENTERTAINMENT. THE BEAST IS PROVING TO BE FAR SUPERIOR TO HUMANS. I CONTRIBUTE TO ONLY ANIMAL CAUSES AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE MY MONEY GOING TO FIGHT THESE DEVILS! IF I HAD BEEN ANYWHERE NEAR THIS SITUATION I WOULD OF RISKED GOING TO JAIL TO SAVE THIS ANIMAL....SHAME ON THIS WANNA BE ARTIST, I AM AN ARTIST AND THIS GUY WILL NEVER RECIEVE THE RESPECT OF AN ARTIST. SUSAN. LEMON WOLF BEARS.

Posted by: Susan Scheradella | May 7, 2008 06:05 AM

Bonnie Hayes, this is not acceptable because a dog dies. this is not about the people who brings 'things' to america, not about racism, I coulndt understand what you mean by saying those words'who is with me' and acting like a politician. what are you fight for?

Posted by: Gunes | May 9, 2008 07:05 AM

i hate you. you should be put in the poor dog's possision. you can't imagine how many people hate you. almost more than a million. just so you know thats not art. the dog died because of you. you should go to prison because of this. you broke peoples' hearts. i am really upset at you i could write all day long if i have to because you just waisted a life i wish i could waiste youres!!!!!! do you wish all the animals should die? you just made my day so so so horrible. im going to tell everyone what you just did. just so you know i'm cring. i hate hate hate hate you. you should be ashamed of your self. so listen to this just because you think your all that doesn't mean that you can kill an other animal. i have 7 animals and you are not going to touch them! that dog did nothing to you. if he/she did doesn't mean you should kill him! please don't touch any other animal!!!!!! you suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.s i hate youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Posted by: olivia | May 10, 2008 05:35 PM

Why so private about this? You're certainly vocal about industry that apparantly mis treat animals but not this! Be consistant - maybe then people will take you seriously! Spoken by a vegan!

Posted by: Jana | May 16, 2008 12:07 PM

I have reason to believe that the information I have found is true regarding this case, however, am respectful that PETA is taking the time to investigate.
This story makes me nauseous, and whenever I read it, makes me go find my cat Cleo and cuddle her. She's the first pet I've ever had besides the goldfish etc, and I can honestly say that she's changed my life. I had no idea how much one can love a pet, I feel sick when I think of anything happening to her.

It sickens me that the dog was allowed to be kept in such conditions, even if it were under "fake" circumstances.

Posted by: mn | May 18, 2008 07:17 PM

the art exhibit was to see the reaction of people when they were told the dog WAS starved for art. However, the dog was NOT starved at ALL.

Posted by: jake | June 13, 2008 03:05 PM

I dont believe this was a set up because I watch alot of Animal planets shows and I see lots of dogs that havent been fed for long periods and the stomach was way to flat no food was given to this dog in the time it was tied up in the art show. I think people are out to cover it up and protect each other without taking any responsibility for what they did to poor old nativity.

Posted by: Olga | August 8, 2008 12:38 AM

CALLING ALL ARTIST!!
I can't stand the thought that this could really have happened. I don't believe in fighting against the things we hate, as hate breeds hate etc.. I was wondering if some one maybe even this attention starved artist could reverse the exibit, find a starving dog and nurture it to health as an art exibit, maybe some include video of the prossess highlights or some thing. .

Posted by: Bonita Peterson | August 27, 2008 09:32 AM

Does anybody know what is going on now with this case? Any updates available? I appreciate any info!

Posted by: Naoko Horikawa | September 16, 2008 09:31 PM

How can people be so mean in this world, if its cattle or cats it does not matter no animal should have to suffer. I love all animals and cry when I see the things that are being done to them ... I wish I could take all the pain away that they deal with . One thing I will never understand is the live skinning they do is just not right its horrible..How can I help that ...How can one person help..Im so happy there is someone giving them the voice that dont have ..Peta ...It would be my dream to see all animals never suffer agian ..espically the poor guys in the animal testing labs ..Oh my, why oh why..IM SICK OF IT, when will people realize the have feeling and feel pain and suffering and saddness just like people ..Im sure if they could talk they would say STOp ...and run if they could.

Posted by: Manda | October 28, 2008 02:32 PM

for years & years this has been going on...
LETS NOW PUT A STOP TO THIS CRUELTY TO ANY ANIMAL
ITS OUTRAGOUS PEOPLE ARE STILL
BEING ABLE TO DO THIS...
STOP..STOP..STOP... IT NOW
I FEEL VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS... ON THESE POOR VUNERBLE
DUMB HELPLESS ANIMALS... THESE PEOPLE ARE SICK & WANT LOCKING UP 4 EVER.

Posted by: cheryl carey | November 19, 2008 05:01 PM

This is unbelievable, to say one should ignore such cruelty!! To take a dog from the street and let it starve as in a show is pervers. The story is true, even the galery denied, finally they had to admit. And the most shocking is, that people passed by, were looking curiously at this poor dog, but nobody helped. To take an innocent animal and kill it openly is reprehensible and everybody who thinks it is not worth to talk about it, is obviously not interested in animals and has no moral!!

Posted by: Winkler | January 15, 2009 01:35 PM

After reading Peta's response to the artist and then also reading the comments left I must say that you guys are really looking at only one side of this. If you were to take the tie to read the artist statement and/or do some research about the current problems in Nicaragua you would see that the artist was merely trying to spread awareness about the constant animal cruelty that happens day to day in that country and also in other parts of the world. I have personal connections to people from Nicaragua and they say that they come across starving street dog's everyday and the most attention that they get is a kick in the face to get out of the way and to stop begging. The artist was just doing his job in finding a creative way to get people talking about the awful things that happen to these dog's and I give him mad props because he has obviously done a beautiful thing considering the amount of media that he has brought to the issue.

Posted by: Reed Case | January 27, 2009 09:58 PM

OUTRAGEOUS I THINK IS A SMALL WORD TO DISCRIBE THIS "BIENAL" IN HONDURAS, PLEASE TELL ME AS A KILLER STARTS TORTURING ANIMALS AND THEN PEOPLE, AFTER STARVING A DOG, WHAT IS NEXT? STARVING A PERSON? RAPING?
AND THEN CALLING IT ART????

Posted by: RAULA VIDES | February 2, 2009 01:29 AM

this person is sick and obviously has some kind of mental illness

Posted by: Sarah | March 2, 2009 05:05 PM