Animal Rescue Groups - Helping Deal with Pet Overpopulation

Transcription

1 Animal Rescue Groups - Helping Deal with Pet Overpopulation

2 To understand the need for Good rescue Organizations, you must first understand why we need shelters and rescue at all.

3 What is Pet Over-Population? According to statistics, there are approximately 2,000-3,500 dogs and cats born every hour in the United States. In comparison, there are only about 415 humans born per hour. Mathematics would show us that the thousands of animals born every hour yield tens of millions of dogs and cats born each year. Since dogs and cats reproduce at a much faster rate than people, it is easy to understand that there will never be enough homes available for them all. The RESULTS: The saddest statistic of all is that the majority of these animals which are born will not survive. Many die in the wild, on the streets, and in the alleys...victims of disease, malnutrition, illness, traffic accidents, attacks from other animals, and cruelty and abuse at the hands of humans. Many more end up in animal shelters and animal control facilities. Even though staffs work hard to find homes for as many as possible, the majority of these animals will unfortunately have to be euthanized. In the United States approximately million dogs and cats, through no fault of their own, die in the wild or are euthanized every year for one simple, yet tragic reason... they were born.

4 Why do most Pets End Up in Shelters or Rescue? First of all, you can see it is a matter of numbers. Many more pets are born each year than there exist homes for these pets. Secondly, there is a gap between people s s expectations and the reality of pet ownership.

5 Why are so many pets produced in the United States? There are many reasons for the number of litters born in the United States. They include: Many people may believe that their pet's one litter can't possibly have an effect on the total pet over-population problem. However, the pet overpopulation is a result of each one of these litters.

6 Why are so many pets produced in the United States? Most purebreds are not breeding quality. Unless you are a breeder whose breeding stock has been judged by a professional breed standard judge, has a lineage of champion bloodlines and are familiar with all the specifics (medical, physical, temperamental, behavioral, historical background, etc.) of your dog/cat breed, then you are probably what is considered a 'backyard breeder. Responsible breeders devote lifetimes to learning as much as they can about their breed and about canine health and training. Having a pet that is "registered" may or may not mean anything. Registries are not a guarantee of quality. Simply put, a registered puppy or kitten was born to registered parents. A puppy does not have to pass any stringent tests to be registered. Nor does it have to be healthy or of healthy stock. Its temperament can encompass the worst of a breed and it still can be registered. No one from a registry examines the puppy or its parents before registration takes place.

7 Why are so many pets produced in the United States? Remember, even though you believe you are doing the responsible thing by finding homes for the puppies and kittens in your pet's litter, you are still taking away a potential home and thereby signing a death sentence to an animal in the shelter that has been waiting for a home. Even if you do find homes for all of your new puppies and kittens, how can you be guaranteed that you found that puppy or kitten a "good" home? In the majority of cases, the puppies and kittens that are sold or given away, are soon lost track of.

8 Why are so many pets produced in the United States? It is important to realize that there are millions of puppies and kittens across the country (thousands right here in our own community!) that are abused, neglected, ignored, wander loose fending for themselves, breed uncontrollably, are hit in traffic, die of disease and starvation, are given up to shelters, or are abandoned later down the road by their owners. There are millions of homeless animals in shelters across the United States that are someone's "litter left-overs overs" " ( i.e. ones which the owner couldn't find homes for.) Sadly, in all likelihood, most will end up being euthanized simply because of the overpopulation of dogs and cats.

9 The second reason So many pets end up in shelters and rescues is the gap between owner expectations and the reality of owning a pet Many people buy the cute puppy or kitten without realizing that they are adopting a baby a baby that needs constant attention for the next few months and lots of socialization and attention.

10 The second reason So many pets end up in shelters and rescues is the gap between owner expectations and the reality of owning a pet Many people see a cute puppy/kitten on TV or in the movies and want one just like it without realizing the training that went into producing that perfect specimen or that the portrayal may not be accurate for that breed.

11 The second reason So many pets end up in shelters and rescues is the gap between owner expectations and the reality of owning a pet Many people do not realize the costs involved in owning a pet.

12 The top 10 reasons for turning a dog or cat over to a shelter are: Dogs Moving Landlord issues Cost of pet maintenance No time for pet Inadequate facilities Too many pets in home Pet illness (es) Personal problems Biting No homes for littermates Cats - Too many in house - Allergies - Moving - Cost of pet maintenance - Landlord issues - No homes for littermates - House soiling - Personal problems - Inadequate facilities - Doesn't get along with other pets

13 The estimated number of animals euthanized by U.S. animal shelters each year because homes are not available: 4 to 6 million. Although the number of animals euthanized varies by geographic region, approximately 30-60% of all animals brought into animal shelters are euthanized nationwide.

14 Now that we know the reasons that shelters and rescues are needed, lets talk about the differences between shelters and rescues. Shelters perform a necessary function. There are two types of shelters. No Kill Shelters Kill Shelters

15 No Kill Shelters These are shelters that take in a specific number of animals. Although these animals are not ever euthanized, once this type of shelter is full, they are unable to take in anymore animals. Also, animals that remain in a shelter situation for a long time can become institutionalized. Institutionalized animals become so used to living in a cage in a shelter environment, they become fearful of living elsewhere. Many of these shelters are species- specific.

16 Kill Shelters Although these shelters have a very negative name, they perform a very vital function. They will intake any animal brought to them, however, those animals deemed not adoptable, are humanely euthanized. Animals can be deemed not adoptable because of health or temperament reasons

17 Where Does Rescue Fit into This? Rescues are groups of volunteers who foster adoptable animals until a permanent home can be found. Most rescues are non-profit organizations who collect donations to cover medical and other expenses.

18 How does that differ from a shelter? One of the drawbacks to shelter life is that it tends to warehouse the animals Many animals live in concrete runs with minimal interaction with the outside world Most shelters have too many animals to be able to afford extensive medical care Therefore, to prevent illness in the population, contact between pets is limited

19 What makes Rescue so different from a shelter? Rescues are groups of volunteers who keep the pets in their home. This allows the rescue to assess the pet s s temperament in a variety of situations This starts the house- breaking process This allows the pet to be socialized to a variety of situations

20 What makes a Rescue Different from a shelter? Rescues tend to discourage impulse adoptions. Most rescues require a stringent interview and home visit before allowing an adoption. Most rescues will not allow an adoption the same day as an application. Most rescues will work with a potential adopter to find the right match

21 How else does a Rescue differ from a shelter? One of the main drawbacks to rescue is that they are run by a wide variety of people and not all have the same agenda. Due to the fact that most rescues are volunteer based, there is a limited amount of animals a rescue can take in at one time. Most rescues have to limit themselves to one species and often one breed. There is a definite burn-out rate in volunteers.

22 Are all rescues created equal? Definitely not. Just as you must assess a breeder before adopting from him/her, you should assess a Rescue before adopting from them.

23 How do you assess a Rescue? Ask lots of questions!!! Ask if the rescue is a non-profit organization? Is the rescue affiliated with the breed club? What is the purpose of the rescue? How do they screen the pets as they come in? Are they available later to help if you have a problem with your adoption? How many pets do they have in foster at any given time? If for any reason you must give up your pet in the future, do they require you to return the dog to them and help you adopt the dog to a new owner? What medical care, if any, has the pet received? It s s very important that you feel comfortable with the people running an organization, before you adopt from them.

24 How do you find a rescue? There are lots of ways to find a rescue organization. The Internet Local veterinarians Local breed clubs Your local humane society or shelter Pet related magazines

25 Here are a few resources: lairds.org/kyler/old_purdue/animal_rescue/breed_rescue _organizations round.com/complete-equine/rescue_sites.shtmlequine/rescue_sites.shtml

26 How can you Help with Pet Over-population? Spay and neuter all pets not destined for a breeding program. Volunteer at a rescue, or a shelter. You don t t have to foster an animal to help. Donate time to bathe, socialize, and exercise homeless animals Donate pet related items such as crates, collars, leashes, and food Donate money Have a birthday party where instead of gifts, friends bring donations for a specific rescue or animal related charity

27 And finally, the best way to deal with pet overpopulation is to EDUCATE. Help spread the word about all the wonderful animals that can be adopted through local rescues and Animal Shelters. Remind your friends about the importance of spaying/neutering and preventing unwanted litters. Become a part of the solution.