Stray Dogs, Shared Burden: Why This Problem Is Everyone’s Problem

Eight hundred million stray dogs are without food, housing, medical treatment, etc. Do you still think this does not affect you? Do you still believe this is not your problem?

In today's blog, we will show you the impact of dog abandonment and food inaccessibility in society.

The lack of effective control measures, education in responsible ownership, and public castrations that have not been sustained over time are the keystones in the dog abandonment problem and cultural attitudes towards dogs. As a result of all these factors, they are left on the streets to fend for themselves or be euthanized in overcrowded shelters.

Stray dogs suffer from diseases affecting not only them but also us. Rabies is one of the diseases that dogs can transmit to humans. At least 59,000 people each year around the world die from these diseases, and most of these cases happen in developing countries. Other diseases threatening public health are leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease.

The lack of access to medical care and rabies vaccinations in these countries exacerbates the problem and increases the risk of contagion. In addition, it is critical to point out that public education on issues such as the importance of vaccination against rabies and the sterilization of dogs is almost nonexistent.

Do you know that the economy is also affected by stray dogs?

Some governments pay for accommodation (kennel), medical treatment, etc. The cost of these services increases as the number of abandoned dogs rises.

The psychological impact that stray dogs have on people is invisible to some but very present in the lives of others.

The frustration and impotence generated by seeing defenseless animals abandoned, with nothing to eat, without protection and love, break the hearts of many people.

We all know that although different activities and programs are carried out to improve the situation in this regard, problems persist, which is why comprehensive and collaborative solutions are needed to address this issue and promote responsible ownership of animals. It affects not only the quality of life and health of people but also that of animals and the environment.

Here are some solutions proposed by animal welfare advocates around the world:

- Effective control measures: register and license dogs.

- Public education campaigns: to promote responsible pet ownership.

- Increase funding for animal shelters and rescue organizations for adequate care and facilities for stray dogs.

- Develop sustainable solutions: establishment of low-cost spay/neuter clinics and programs to promote adoption and responsible pet ownership.

- Integrate animal welfare into public health programs, where vaccination and disease prevention campaigns are for animals as much as for humans.

- Canine population control programs.

- Promote responsible ownership: This is to feed them, have a house, be safe and with love and medical attention to avoid any disease and overproduction

All these measures seek to minimize the risk that stray animals cause to public health, animal welfare, and the environment. But it's important to remember that all these problems start with abandoning dogs that were once pets.

«A country, a civilization can be judged by the way it treats its animals.»

- Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader.

Bibliography:

• International Fund for Animal Welfare. (n.d.). Effects of Dog Abandonment on Society.

• Miteva, T., & Vlaykov, A. (2018). Dog Abandonment and Its Effect on People and Animals in Bulgaria. Animals, 8(10), 180.

• Global Alliance for Rabies Control. (n.d.). The Public Health Implications of Dog Overpopulation and Controlling Stray Dogs in Developing Countries.

• Gómez, E. A. (2019). Perros sueltos en vía pública. Análisis ambiental a través de las representaciones sociales en el Partido de Campana (Buenos Aires) durante 2015-2019 (Doctoral dissertation, Universidad Nacional de Luján).