For many centuries now, dogs have lived alongside us as our trusted companions. We have developed a special bond, treating them as part of our families. However, these dogs only make up a fraction of the population. Their free-ranging counterparts actually make up 80% of dogs, a whopping 525 million. With all the love and care we show to our pets, one would think this would be extended to these furry friends on the streets. Despite many of the animals in the streets being lost pets, that is simply not the case. 

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                                                                              Photo from Humane Society International

 

WHAT CHALLENGES DO THEY FACE?

    Free-ranging dogs, more widely known as street dogs or strays are most prevalent in India and Eastern Europe. However, their presence is a global challenge. Communities around the world are figuring out how best to support them whilst also protecting themselves and their pets. Stray dogs live without constant human care, and in an urbanized world, this can be difficult for them to navigate. One of the most difficult challenges these dogs must tackle is extreme weather conditions. Depending on where these dogs live, they could face blistering heat, harsh rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. Learning how to protect themselves and find shelter is not an easy task, and leaves these pups in poor condition. Another stressful challenge is hunger and starvation. Especially, in countries where the populations of free-ranging dogs are so condensed, food competition can be stiff. Strays have learned how to watch humans as a way to find food sources; they scavenge all around places that people frequent, such as outside of restaurants, inside dumps, and along the streets. 

 

     But these scraps are not enough. 

 

DON’T THESE DOGS CARRY DISEASES?

     With these dogs constantly fighting to get enough sustenance, their immune systems weaken and they do become susceptible to many diseases. Common examples are rabies or parvovirus. The discussion of diseases is where many communities come to a disagreement on how to help free-ranging dog populations. Since these diseases are easily spreadable, exposure from stray dogs can put livestock, the endemic (local) species, and our pets at risk. Sick dogs also may exhibit ferocity or aggression, and can bite people. So, in the efforts to protect their communities, people frame the free-ranging dog problem as a matter of public safety instead of prioritizing animal health. However, free-ranging dogs are not that far off from our pet dogs. Cognitively and behaviorally, the only difference is that one lacks positive social interactions.

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                                                                                         Photo from Animal Aid Unlimited, India

 

     This sentiment is not widely shared, and free-ranging dogs often endure physical abuse as well as other human-related accidents and injuries, like vehicle collisions. Gun violence towards stray dogs is unfortunately a very relevant issue here in the United States and claims the lives of many strays each year. In terms of collisions, strays are often attributed as being the cause of vehicle accidents, but the people are not normally the ones left with life-threatening injuries. These strays, if not killed immediately on impact, are left with broken bones, lacerations, collapsed lungs, spilling organs, and much more. If not treated soon after, these animals die.

 

     Despite how many ways these dogs can be harmed, constant reproduction and breeding of unneutered and unspayed domesticated and free-ranging dogs leads to always overcrowded streets. With such a large number of dogs, these issues become exasperated and much more difficult to solve. Animal shelters are mainly filled with strays, and often filled past capacity. 

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

     Although it is an exhaustive list of issues, with millions of dogs experiencing these conditions, there are several ways that can alleviate these issues to become not so daunting.

 

GLOBAL ASSISTANCE

     Because these are issues that are experienced internationally, it is important to educate and find organizations dedicated to providing care for these animals. Humane Society International is one example of an organization that has been providing veterinary care and finding sustainable solutions for countries where this problem is most prevalent. There are also many international grassroots organizations, such as KAW in India, that focus on improving their community dynamic. KAW runs a feeder program. They organize resource distribution and create local feeder networks to ensure that all communities and dogs are reached. By donating to organizations such as these, they can continue fulfilling their mission in protecting street dogs. 

 

LOCAL ASSISTANCE

     Not all solutions are finance-based, In fact, many of these problems are being solved through local organizations and volunteers. It is actually a necessity for communities to come together to save these animals. Community engagement is the most effective way to educate on the problems these dogs face and how to best assist them. Connected communities are also more focused on supporting local programs. On an individual scale, neutering and vaccinating your pets is a simple way to not only control the population of abandoned animals but it’s very effective in preventing the spread of zoologic diseases. There are many organizations that tackle these problems within the stray population itself and offer spay and neuter clinics for pets. Four Paws USA carries out a Catch-Vaccinate-Neuter-Return procedure where they strive to neuter and spay free-ranging dogs. They also run a clinic where pet owners can bring by their pet to be neutered for a low cost. Many of these organizations understand that targeting overpopulation will solve the root of many of these issues.

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                                                                                                                                     Photo from Four Paws USA 

     Another solution, although not an option for many people, is adoption. It gives these dogs a home and better-improved life, a life without worrying when they might next eat, or avoiding vehicles, or getting sick. As mentioned before, these free-ranging dogs are not the ferocious monsters that some communities paint them to be. They need to be properly cared for and loved. Adopting these animals also prevents unnecessary euthanasia, or the possibility for them to be experimented on. 

     We have the capacity to change these animals' lives, if not on the streets, at least at our homes. Raising awareness and sharing information from educated sources is how these stray dogs will begin to be viewed as animals worth saving.