Overview
Stray animals often refer to cats and dogs that were once domesticated and have wandered from their abode. According to the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, “there are approximately 70 million stray dogs and cats in the US.” (Animal Overpopulation) These animals can often be seen wandering in neighborhoods or on busy streets. Animals become strays for a number of reasons. This may include; loss or abandonment by pet owners, animals who are not neutered reproduce, insufficient shelters and animal care centers, lack of financial support from the government and so on.
Increase of stray animals in neighborhoods
(a) Stray animals in neighborhoods often increase when animals that are not neutered reproduce or are not taken off the streets. These strays frequent neighborhoods to escape hot or cold weather or to find food.
Loss or abandonment by Pet owners
In the United States today it is impossible to determine the number of animals who have been lost by pet owners. This is so, as the The American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (ASPCA) reports that only “15% of pet owners report their pets missing and that many strays are animals that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.” (Shelter intake and Surrender) This goes to show that pet owners do play a role in the number of strays that are on the streets. These animals who are not reported missing or cannot be connected to a home, due to lack of identification add to the statistics of stray animals that are sometimes never found or end up in shelters.
It is interesting to note also, that pet owners sometimes abandon their pets. This may be for reasons such as; being unable to provide for the needs of the animal, the pet may not be allowed in their residence, allergies to pets and so on.
Lack of sufficient shelters and government and public support
The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that “There are about 13,600 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters.” (Shelter Intake and Protection) Of the 70 million strays that are said to live on the streets, the number of shelters mentioned by the ASPCA proves insufficient to house the ever growing population of stray animals.
The issue is further compounded, as government and public support are needed on a preponderant scale to effect change. This should not be limited to housing animals, but also providing free health care to pet owners who cannot afford it. These animals, if not adopted are often euthanized to make room for other strays.
Works cited
"Animal Overpopulation." Oxford Lafayette Humane Society, n.d . Web. 20 May 2016.
"Shelter Intake and Surrender." ASPCA , n.d. Web. 20 May 2016.
