A wise man once said, you can please some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.
Much can be felt in the spirit of this quote when we look at how we observe and discuss the issue of an ever growing pet population, dogs specifically, and the resulting stray dog populace that comes from it.
We would all like to think that there is a home for each and every dog in this country, however priorities change, and other problems arise, and much to the dismay for many of us, the problem continues to persist, and not just on the domestic front. Countries like Thailand, England, and China are facing similar issues only in some cases much worse.
In Thailand the stray dog population is “out of control .” The director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services concluded recently that there were 8.5 million dogs in Thailand. Out of this number it is estimated that about 700,000 of them were considered to be strays. The concern here is the degree in which diseases can spread, primarily rabies. In a recent survey … 90% of animals found with rabies were dogs, and 60% of rabid dogs were stray dogs.
This statistic is further bolstered in its urgency when you have over 300,000 female stray dogs who can produce an estimated 10 pups a year giving Thailand around 3.4 million new strays every twelve months.
In the US it is estimated that we have between 70–80 million dogs and out of this number only 37–47% are actually in households. China is estimated to have around 130 million dogs with around 27 million as urban pets. The United Kingdom has an estimated pet population of around 65 million (includes fish) with 46% of its residents having a pet in their homes.
Clearly this is a global issue, which currently shows no signs of decreasing. Many discussions have been had often producing solutions that are either too costly, or not humane. Many countries, including the US have adopted programs of sterilization and adopt-a-pet options in an effort to reduce the stray dog populations. Some have been more successful than others, but overall the problem is still a dire one. With increasing advances in pet technology there are several proposals in the works that would track all dogs via an implant and ergo create a dog population data base that would allow for proper registration and monitoring putting the liability and cost on the dog owner in the event they are found responsible for not properly taking care of their pets. Accountability is a factor that needs to be surfaced more, and hopefully with the advent of these monitoring systems and databases, we can all work together to reduce stray dog populations both here in the US and abroad.
Recent Articles
-
Doggie Delites — Heart Healthy Dog Treats
We want your dog to be happy and healthy this new year, so here's a great treat to start your new year off just right. Your dog will surely be begging for more! Recipe: 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter (be sure to check the label)1/4 cup honey1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil (or olive oil)1 cup chicken broth1 cup rolled oats1 cup whole wheat flour1 cup all-purpose flour Instructions: In a large mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, honey, oil, and the chicken broth-whisk them together until combined. In a separate bowl, combine the flours and the oats. Mix the...
-
Bark Control with Puppies
“Consider options like ThunderShirts, CBD treats, vibration collars, crate training, and extra exercise. A tired puppy is not a barking puppy!” -
Returning to Work — What do our Pets think?
Our pets may become confused and anxious as we get back to in-person work. Here's how you can help your best friend during this time. -
WarmPet™ Heated Pet Mat
Our WarmPet Heated Pet Mat uses safe and gentle infrared heat to keep your pet comfortable all year long-indoors or outdoors. Its ultra flexible, carbon-film design can easily be placed inside, below, or on top of your pet's bed to keep them warm and cozy all day and night. This can help ease your pet's arthritis, inflammation, and other joint problems while keeping your pet comfortable.
-
Healthy Roots Paws™ Calming Pet Products
As we get closer to New Year's Eve, right now is the time to think about how you can help keep your pets calm during the festivities.