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Last updated March 27, 2008 8:39 p.m. PT

Mexico dog sculptures removed on protest

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MONTERREY, Mexico -- Sculptures of Chihuahua dogs wearing traditional
outfits were yanked from a stop along Mexico's Copper Canyon railway after
protests from Tarahumara indigenous groups that found them offensive, a
state official said Thursday.

Officials removed the 5-foot-tall fiberglass sculptures from Chihuahua
state's annual "Dog Parade" in Urique on March 13, said Jesus Avalos, a
spokesman with the state government's office for Tarahumara affairs.

The annual exhibit, begun in 2006 and intended to promote tourism along the
canyon railway popular with travelers, has previously featured dog
sculptures dressed as policemen, cowboys and firefighters.

This year, they wore colorful Tarahumara dress in a bid to promote the
group's way of life, Avalos said.

But indigenous leaders considered the display an insulting comparison of
their people to animals, said Jaime Enriquez, an executive member of the
Chihuahua Tarahumaras Coordination body.

"The sculptures were placed right in the middle of the indigenous zone
during the traditional holy week, and one was painted with religious
colors," he said. "The timing and the location made them even more
offensive."

Many of the reclusive Tarahumaras, who call themselves Raramuri, still live
in caves throughout Mexico's rugged Copper Canyon.