So Many Shelter Dogs
Reducing Homeless Pet Numbers With Education and Spay/Neuter Program
Jan 23, 2008
Some argue that we don’t have a pet overpopulation problem but a human indifference problem. Whatever name you give it, the fact remains that, according to the HSUS, three to five million, yes million, dogs and cats are killed in US shelters every year, because they have nowhere to go. These are not just figures; they are live, cuddly creatures with feelings and emotions.
Why Shelters Are Full
Some walk away in tears, feeling they have no other choice; others leave, seemingly unconcerned, but there are many reasons people pluck their pets from the sofa to join the homeless in cages.
- Moving and the landlord won’t allow pets
- Dog had puppies and we couldn’t find homes for them
- Dog care is too expensive
- Dog is sick and requires too much time and money
- Digging, chewing, not getting along with other pets, or slacking in potty training
- Divorce
- New job
- New baby
- Allergies
There are still more reasons shelters are full. According to Spay USA, for every 10,000 humans born, there are 70,000 puppies and kittens born.
According to the HSUS, more than one-third of pet owners get their pets from breeders or pet stores. Much of this supports the puppy mill industry which cranks out thousands of puppies like livestock with little regard for basic care, health, or temperament.
What Kinds of Dogs are in Shelters?
According to the HSUS, one out of four dogs in shelters is purebred. The other three are mixed breeds which include the infamous designer breeds. Puppies and young dogs as well as older dogs fill the cages.
Reducing Shelter Populations
Humane agencies can provide solutions such as:
- List of pet-friendly housing in the area
- A plan for enticing other landlords to allow pets
- Information on responsible pet ownership
- List of local trainers who can guide dog owners through behavior problems
- Aggressive spay/neuter programs or mandatory spay/neuter laws like some areas have implemented
- Aggressive community education on the importance of spay/neuter
- Low-cost community clinics that also educate in proper pet care as a preventive measure
- Further financial aid for pet food and medical care to very low income homes
- Aggressive pet ID programs
- Well-publicized counseling hotline to help people keep their dog during personal situations such as divorce, new baby, even allergies, etc
- Promote the merits of older dogs. Puppies are popular but older dogs have more control over bodily functions and are usually already or easily potty trained. They’ve outgrown teething along with most of their chewing urges.
- Promote public awareness on the realities of puppy mills.
- Create community projects such as dog parks and dog shows that spark interest in dogs as well as offer opportunities for strengthening the human/animal bond.
Most importantly, it’s paramount that we destroy the myth that it’s ‘only an animal’ and help potential owners understand that pet adoption is a very real commitment to a living, breathing creature who feels fear, loneliness, and anxiety as well as deep love and loyalty. They must have realistic expectations when bringing a dog into their home. Perfection is not the dog who doesn’t bark, poop, shed, or dig, it’s the dog you love.
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