Author: Maham Sajid
School: Midwood High School
Publication Date: July 19, 2023
Animal homelessness is a prominent issue in many countries, specifically the US, as 1 in 10 dogs that are born are guaranteed a home, along with estimates that state over 60 million cats are without any homes. These rates are concerningly high as well as rapidly increasing each year, that researchers claim it is nearly impossible to accurately determine the amount of animals, specifically cats and dogs are without homes in the US, alone.
Through the creation of animal shelters, the aim is to provide homes for animals that have no place, due to being abandoned, unwanted, lost, etc. Additionally, animal shelters serve to protect and help many animals recover from disease, trauma or other factors that cause them distress. Many pets are abandoned due to various reasons; unable to afford the necessities needed for the animal, being financially incapable of treating pets with certain diseases or disabilities, lack of profitability, or just simply not wanting them anymore.
However as more animal homelessness increases, the lack of space in these shelters increases as well. Many are forced to turn down the acceptance of homeless animals into their shelter because there's simply no space, and thousands of poor animals are killed to create more room for others, when they haven't been adopted.
Domestic animals such as dogs and cats are reliant on human care which is the reason as to why no residence or home is unsuitable. There are extreme risks present within these animals residing on the streets such as disease, lack of essentials such as food and water, death, attacks from other animals, brutality from people, harsh weather conditions, hunger, and even the reproduction of more animals that also end up being on the streets.
There are several types of actions that can be done to approach this issue and help these animals in need. For one, donating to your local shelter or donation sites that serve to provide homes and resources to protect our furry friends. Secondly, many more shelters and clinics are being established in response to the lack of space and facilities. Lastly, it all starts with you and in your home, whether it's adopting a friendly companion to keep you company and overall seeking an outlook that benefits each other or taking better care of your own pet, and ensuring their safety and comfortability.
RESEARCH, NOTES, OR BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Companion animal overpopulation and homelessness (2020) PETA. Available at: https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/overpopulation/ (Accessed: 17 July 2023).
Slatter, Jessica, et al. "Homelessness and companion animals: more than just a pet?" British Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 75, no. 8, Aug. 2012, pp. 377+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A301180670/AONE?u=nysl_me_midhsl&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=947ed42e. Accessed 17 July 2023.
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