The Pet Abandonment Problem

It was a happy time for most animals during the pandemic. Record numbers were adopted and rescued as humans craved companionship while being locked inside their homes. Dog walking became their reason to escape into the outside world, and recording funny cat videos was the new source of entertainment.

But once lockdowns were lifted, life slowly started to go back to the old routines. People now realized the extent of their responsibilities towards their pets and were now undergoing buyer’s remorse. How can they care for their pets when they have such busy lives to attend to? The pets that were once happy to be adopted found themselves back in the cold, hard kennels of the adoption centres – only the fortunate ones though. More commonly, pets were abandoned in the middle of the streets, left to fend for themselves in an unknown world.

The pandemic was not the cause of pet abandonment of course! People have long been using pets as gifting ideas during the holiday season, without realizing that you are not just gifting a cute animal, you are also giving the receiver a lifelong commitment to look after another living being. Once the novelty falls off, most families realize that they were not ready to take on such a huge responsibility, making them abandon their new pets, with a naive belief that the animal would be fine on its own.

Allergies, new landlords not allowing pets, too hard to care for, too aggressive, the pet has fallen sick – the excuses for abandoning pets are endless. If only one would think to themselves, would you abandon human life for any of these excuses? Why then would you treat animal life so carelessly?

The fate of abandoned pets is almost always tragic – not every animal can be rescued, nor do most make it to rescue centres. It’s up to us as humans to instead make the right choices, and not make animals suffer for a few moments of joy.

Effects of Pet Abandonment:

When a pet is abandoned, they are usually left to fend for itself in unfamiliar surroundings. They may not know how to find food or shelter, and they may not know how to protect themselves from danger. As a result, many abandoned pets suffer from starvation, disease, and injury. They may also become the target of abuse or neglect from people who come across them. It’s a truly sad situation for any animal to be in.

Pet abandonment not only affects the animal, but it can also affect the neighbourhoods where they are abandoned. Abandoned pets may end up in shelters, putting a strain on resources, which can result in having to euthanize due to lack of space. Also, they may end up as strays, becoming a problem to the neighbourhood or even a public health risk by spreading diseases or causing traffic hazards.

Pet Abandonment: A Global Animal Welfare Issue

Pet abandonment isn’t just a problem in one specific country, it’s a global issue that affects animals all over the world. Every country is dealing with its own set of challenges when it comes to pet abandonment, but the root cause is often the same: people who don’t take responsibility for the animals they bring into their lives. Whether it’s a lack of education about the responsibilities of pet ownership, financial difficulties, or simply not wanting to deal with the hassle of caring for a pet, the end result is the same: innocent animals are left to suffer.

So, what can we do to solve the problem of pet abandonment? The solution requires a combination of efforts. One of the most effective ways to prevent pet abandonment is through education. People need to be made aware of the responsibilities that come with owning a pet, as well as the long-term commitment it requires. People must understand that a pet is not just a cute little companion, but a living being that needs proper care and attention.

Another important solution is making it easier for pet owners to get the help they need when they’re facing difficulties. This might include providing financial assistance for pet owners who are struggling to afford the cost of pet care or offering support services such as training, behaviour counselling, or veterinary care. By providing people with the resources they need to take care of their pets, we can help prevent pet abandonment before it happens.

Adoption centres and shelters play a vital role in preventing pet abandonment. They take in abandoned pets, provide them with medical treatment and socialization, and prepare them for their new homes. With their help, pets are given a second chance at a happy life. Also, by promoting adoptions and spay/neuter campaigns, we can reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters in the first place.

Lastly, as a society, we must take a stand against animal cruelty, and hold those responsible for abandoning their pets accountable. There should be laws and regulations in place, that aim to protect pets from abandonment, and those who break the law should be held liable. This can serve as a deterrent to potential animal abusers, and help promote a culture of responsibility and care for our furry little companions.

Honestly, it is heart-breaking to think of all the innocent animals that are left to suffer because of simple human neglect. People do not seem to realize that they are not bringing home a disposable toy, but a life just as precious as that of a human. Pets bring in so much joy into our lives, is this really the right way to show our gratitude? We need to do better for our furry friends, we clearly don’t deserve their unconditional love.