Homeless Animals Day: Give strays the love they need
What's the story
August 20 marks International Homeless Animals Day which aims to raise awareness about neutering domestic animals and pets that are abandoned every year.
The day was established by the International Society for Animal Rights in 1992 to spread awareness about the overpopulation of animals that are homeless.
Here's everything you need to know about this occasion.
A grave situation
Animal homelessness
Every day, animals are either abandoned, sent to charities, or placed into kennels.
Many of these unfortunate souls even die on the streets due to a lack of food, water, shelter, veterinary care, love, and a good guardian to take care of them.
Approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed annually due to a lack of shelter homes and proper care.
Facts
Some facts about animal homelessness
The main reason for animals ending up in shelter homes is either their owners abandoning them or animal control hunting for them.
Around 25% of dogs in local shelters are purebred, leading to heightened health issues.
Most strays are lost pets that weren't cared for.
Only 10% of animals that are brought into shelters are spayed or neutered. Many die because they unintentionally reproduce.
Significance
Why observe this day?
International Homeless Animals Day helps raise money for shelters so that they are up and running, and can arrange for food, supplies, and more space for stray animals.
Their main aim is to give voice to homeless animals and raise awareness about their plight.
Many organizations host a yearly "adopt-a-thon" in several locations to help place stray animals in good homes.
Better together
PETA to the rescue
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has supplied low or no-cost spay/neuter services to over 64,000 animals in the last five years.
Folks here have also hung billboards in vulnerable areas, started undercover investigations, and organized many celebrity campaigns to raise awareness about adoption.
The team also provides supplies to pet guardians who need any kind of support.
Do your bit
5 ways to help strays on this special day
The best way to help homeless animals is to adopt them. This will help them get a new home and also clear shelters around.
Become a foster parent and offer shelters a place to treat sick or injured animals. It can also be utilized to bottle-feed orphaned puppies and kittens.
Donate to a local shelter or help them stock essential supplies.
Adopt, don't shop
How can you adopt a pet in India?
Decide whether you want to adopt a dog or a cat and then look for a rescue or nearby shelter house.
You can visit the shelter, know your pawesome friend, and collect their history and medical records.
Follow the required procedures as prescribed by the rescuer and sign the adoption papers.
In some cases, you can also complete the same process online.