Man's Best Friend Lost in the Streets

Rene Gamino

I trust I am not alone when I say that animal homelessness is a growing epidemic in our country, even in our own cities. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 7.6 million ‘companion’ animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, while every year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized. This issue has escalated to the point where “humane” euthanasia, or chemical euthanasia, has been rejected for cheaper and gruesome methods, such as gas chambers.

Another consequence of this epidemic is the existence of profit. Some shelters sell animals in order to answer the high demand for animal research, which has created a market for dogs and as well as insured animal dealers hefty incomes.

What caused such staggering problems and facts? Well, according to the ASPCA, many stray dogs are “lost pets who are not kept properly indoors or provided with identification” ("Pet Statistics”). In addition, according to the American Humane Association, the most common reasons why people relinquish or give away their dogs is because their place of residence does not allow pets (29%). The most common reasons for cats left out on the streets are that they were not allowed in residences (21%) or people are allergic (11%). In seeing these striking statistics, be warned that owning a pet is no mere commodity ; it is an obligation to the physical and emotional security of another creature.

You may be thinking, “How can I help? I don't even own a pet.” Well, regardless whether you own a pet or not, you may not be able to save every animal, but you can make a difference. One direct way to help is by adopting ‘companion’ animals from your local shelter or rescue organizations. Purchasing a dog, cat, or other animals from such places avoids fueling the overpopulation, thus the homelessness of these animals, you may save an animal who is in desperate need of a home. Another option is to convince your local pet stores to sell pound dogs or cats rather than buying from puppy mills, kitty mills, etc. Lastly, you can sterilize your pets in order to avoid contributing to the pet overpopulation problem, or if affordable/ convenient, you can always get properly licensed, which has been recorded to help securing a pet in the case he/she runs away or gets lost. If you believe yourself not capable or too lazy to act directly, you can always act indirectly. You can donate a dog bedding items, money, kong, nylabone, an x-pen or baby gates, a food dish or a stainless bucket for a crate, a leash or collar or halti, treats or dog food, flea stuff, HW pills, a canine first aid kit, etc. You can educate yourself and others in your community on ways to reduce this epidemic.

Ultimately, it is your actions that determine whether this epidemic will continue to escalate or gets better. You may volunteer at http://www.laanimalservices.com/volunteer/, or make a donation.

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