Stray Animals
Stray animals are domestic pets, such as dogs and cats, that live without human care or a permanent homes, often as a result of being abandoned and/or born on the streets. Unlike wild animals, strays live and interact among human society. They include cats, dogs, and other animals that face numerous problems, like hunger, disease, and harsh weather conditions. Stray animals often rely on the people for food and shelter and are often found scavenging around. Many are at risk of overpopulation, leading to health issues and problems within society. Each year, an estimated 70 million stray animals, including both dogs and cats, are living in the United States. This number can change due to factors like abandonment, overpopulation, and community efforts in trapping, fostering, and returning. Many animals are delivered to shelters annually, with around 3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats being taken in. By attending the needs of stray animals not only improves their lives but also creates a more compassionate community.
Wide Ranging Impacts
Stray animals face numerous hardships, from health risks like malnutrition, disease, and injury to the dangers posed by extreme weather. Many strays carry zoonotic diseases which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans such as rabies and leptospirosis. Stray animals also pose a threat to pets like fights and unwanted pregnancies. Loud disruptive noises, scavenging on trash, and urine spraying are problems too. Overpopulation too, among stray animals can lead to competition for resources for food and shelter. Strays can significantly impact local ecosystems; for example, stray cats often prey on birds and small mammals, contributing to biodiversity loss. Strays themselves go though mental stress from constant survival struggles which to trauma and behavioral issues that make recovery difficult. Addressing these issues requires support and dedicated efforts to rescue and responsibly manage strays, creating a safe environment for both animals and people.
How To Get Involved
Want to help? Many people think of strays as annoying nuisances that steal your food and follow you around. But they haven’t thought of the hardships many of these animals face like abandonment, injuries, illnesses, abuse and more. Millions of pets are delivered to shelters each year. You can help end and become a pet friendly community. If you are looking to expand your family consider adopting from rescue centers or shelters.
