Loading ...Recession Hurting Animals
Everyone has the heard horror stories unfortunately. We’ve all heard about animals being abandoned at shelters, roadside and even in empty homes. This is not a new concept.
This article was taken from the Care2 page of Aimee Gertsch, who writes 4 the Love of Animals.
“OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Copper would shake your hand, speak and even toss you a high-five. A note taped to the mixed-breed’s collar attests to his talents, but these deeds are not verifiable by eyewitness account.
Copper, you see, is dead.
The 30-pound male dog, estimated to be about one-year-old by Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement officials, was found March 18 lying on the shoulder of an asphalt road in Oshtemo Township. There was a hole in his skull, inflicted when a car hit him.
It was too late to heed the message someone had written on the tape wrapped around his collar: ‘Help me.’” Read the full story here.
Sadly this story is becoming more and more common, as people lose their homes and jobs, and find themselves unable to care for their animals. It’s hard to imagine leaving a pet on it’s own, especially when there are many other options. However, with the cost of proper care and food, it’s not too difficult to understand why a person may have to give up their pet when they are struggling to feed themselves and their family after a job loss. And sadly, a lot of apartment owners don’t allow pets, leaving few options for families affected by foreclosure.
Unfortunately, many of the people in these situations are making horrible choices in how they decide to deal with it, such as letting the animal out to fend for itself, or even just leaving the animal behind in an empty house. The stories are heartbreaking, especially knowing that there are other options.
If you find yourself in this position, please consider the following options:
1. Talk with family members and friends about the situation. Someone you know and trust may be able to take your pet permanently, or until your situation improves.
2. Call rescue groups in your area. You can find a complete list of rescues by checking Petfinder.com and searching by zip code. Rescues are focused on finding homes for pets of all kinds, and are almost always no-kill.
3. Talk to your local Humane Society. They may be able to take your pet in, or even give you information about local resources you might not be aware of.
4. Talk to your veterinarian. Our vet offers adoption services in their office, but even if your vet doesn’t, they are usually connected with rescues, and may even be aware of people who are looking to add an animal to the family.
5. Take your pet to the local shelter. This may not be anyone’s first choice due to the possibility of it being put down, but it is a far better choice than leaving a pet in an empty home with little to no food and water (where it could starve to death if not found quickly), or letting it loose on the street.
If you are in a position to adopt a new member of the family, please consider doing so. With so many animals being turned over due to economic hardship, there are many amazing pets waiting at local shelters and rescues. If we all do a little to help each other during this time, hopefully there will be fewer stories like Copper’s.
I also wanted to add one note to this story: * it is actually illegal to dump a pet — fines and punishments vary by locale.*
Thanks for posting. Dumping is becoming more and more prevalent. We are seeing it more often now
Ohhhhhhhhhhh…what a sad and terrible stories!!
thanks for sharing with us dear friends!!!
Also in Italy Pet’s abandon is becoming very very serious….
there are a lots of possibility for the people and their animals…..Please…..NOT DUMP THEM!!!!
kisses
It is soooo furry sad…
The SPCA I khame from is battling that along with reduced donations/funding…
Tank woo fur sharing!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
It’s so sad that many people just dump their animals. We don’t understand how they can do this. Many papers even let you advertise FREE for animals you are giving away. Why don’t people use these free options?? We hope more people look at their options before making rash decisions.
Luv & wirey Hugs,
Butchy, Snickers, Ruby, Sylvester & Scuby
Such sad times….I feel so bad for these animals. Why would people feel that they have no other choices….I cannot wrap my mind around it.
However hard times are, there is never any excuse for abandoning a pet where it will be in danger Too many people simply do not seem to understand that pets are not just anther consumer item. Grrrrrrr!
We see a lot of dumping around here. People think it’s ok to dump socialized pet cats into a feral cat colony and it’s not. Maybe it’s lack of education or maybe they just don’t care. This story is very sad. Thank you for getting the word out that dumping is not ok.
We dont understand how anyhone could turn a pet out, ESPECAILLY during times like these when we need their loyalty the most. And also, with so many resources available, what the heck? People are so cruel.
I can’t believe anyone would think dumping their pet is safer or more humane than taking it to the shelter. Calling a VET or shelter to see what options (possible fostering for your pet IN someone’s home) are available is a million times better than what happened to poor Copper. I hope his beans saw that article and will feel terrible forever.
It’s so sad about Copper and all those like him. It makes us think of the guy who lost everything except his dog in a FL hurricane a years ago, then ended up having to turn him in to the shelter because he was homeless and couldn’t care for the dog.