Did You Know?
It is estimated that there may be between 600 million and 1 billion homeless animals, mostly dogs and cats, worldwide, although data from some countries suggests that the number may be much higher.
In nine major countries combined ( US, UK, Germany, China, India, South Africa, Greece, Mexico, and Russia), it is estimated that there are 114 million homeless cats and 91 million homeless dogs living on the street, with less than 9% finding shelter.
In places like the U.A.E, where exact numbers are unknown, rescuers know very well that thousands of dogs and cats face homelessness, with limited resources for rescue and care.
But there is hope! Your actions can make a real difference. Join us in creating a better future for these animals.
Population Boom: How One Stray Can Lead To Over 500
Take a look at this picture. It's a simple way of showing something that happens all the time but we might not think about; how fast stray cats and dogs can increase in number if they're not fixed.
It starts with one cat that has four kittens. Before you know it, in just three years, you could have over 500 cats wandering around because those kittens grow up and have more kittens, and the cycle continues. That is an exponential growth!
Why is this a problem? Well, stray animal overpopulation, especially in urban areas, causes a cascade of problems. As stray animals vie for scarce resources, their struggle is marked by starvation, disease, and exposure to the elements. Public health is also at stake. Stray animals can be carriers of zoonotic diseases—those transmissible to humans—posing a risk not only to individual well-being but also to community health.
The environment takes a hit too. Lots of stray cats and dogs can mean trouble for native wildlife and can mess with the balance of nature.
So what can we do about it? The most important thing is to have stray animals, as well as our pets, neutered so they don't have litter. It's a simple step that can prevent a lot of animals from ending up on the streets. By taking care of this, we help the animals, our neighborhoods, and the environment.
Remember, this isn't just about being kind to animals; it's about taking care of our community and making sure everyone, furry or not, has a good place to live.
Inspirations From Around The World
The Netherlands
In the fight against animal homelessness, a very good example to follow is the Netherlands, the holder of the proud title of the first country with no homeless dogs. This goal has been achieved through great cooperation between government agencies, shelters, and volunteers:
1. The government launched the CNVR (Collect, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return) initiative, which is the equivalent of TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release). In the Netherlands, the program was funded by the government. To date, the Netherlands has succeeded in sterilizing 80% of animals.
2. In some cities, imposing high taxes on store-bought dogs has effectively reduced animal homelessness. These taxes serve two purposes: generating funds for local animal welfare programs and encouraging people to adopt from shelters. This approach reduces demand for commercial dogs and helps address animal homelessness.
3. The creation of a special public service for animals, which responds to all crimes against animals and helps rescue them. Maltreatment of animals in the Netherlands carries a fine of up to €16,000 and up to three years in prison.
4. Launching a nationwide campaign to encourage the adoption of animals from shelters.
The result: A country where there is not a single homeless dog and about 90% of people own four paws in their home.
Pets are considered full-on family members by Dutch people
Turkey
Turkey stands out for its humane treatment of stray animals, with laws that facilitate their free coexistence with humans in public spaces.
These laws not only protect stray dogs and cats but also ban their sale in pet shops. They extend to cover other animals as well, including banning the establishment of new dolphin parks and land and water circuses using animals.
Both dogs and cats roam freely; Dogs are commonly tagged to show they've been vaccinated and neutered, promoting public health and safety. Istanbul's free-ranging dogs and cats are seen as fellow citizens. It's a common sight to see cats taking naps in shops and cafes, and even dogs like the famous Boji are known to enjoy daily ferry trips.
The public plays a significant role in caring for these strays. It's common to see food and water put out in cities for the animals, and the country has a legal framework that protects these animals in its cities.
This practice is part of a broader approach to animal welfare that encourages community care over shelter confinement, reflecting a compassionate stance on living alongside animals in urban environments.
Turkey's strays: Unhoused but loved by all.
Animal Compassion : A Choice That Defines Us
The rate of animal homelessness is indicative of a country's level of development, awareness, and education about the issue, and the public's commitment to improving the welfare of farm and domestic animals.
All efforts to reduce animal homelessness are essential and set a good example for our societies.
Therefore, dedicating our time and resources to managing the stray animal population is not only humane but also a step towards the advancement of our societies.
Many countries have launched several measures to improve animal welfare. If you want to check which countries are animal-friendly and what legal solutions work there, visit the website: https://api.worldanimalprotection.org
