“From domestic to street – one step”
History:
International Homeless Animals Day falls on every third Saturday in August, which will be August 17 this year, and is honored with events and increasing participation every year. The International Society for Animal Rights introduced the day to spread awareness about pet overpopulation and has done meaningful work since, including saving the lives of millions of animals.
The histories of animal rights and shelters have long been intertwined
It was in the 1870s that animal protectionists began to see the lives of children and animals as similarly vulnerable and in need of protection, and SPCAs and anti-cruelty laws began to be established. Though animals were defined as property, cruelty was still an offense. The 20th century saw increased protection given to housepets such as dogs and cats, while animals that were slaughtered or working animals still received little to no protections. Dogs and cats received even more attention from the social justice movements of the 1960s and 1970s when animal welfare groups like the ASPCA focused heavily on adoption, fostering, and prevention of animal suffering.
These same goals and guiding values remain prominent in animal shelters and animal rights groups today, as people continuously fight for better legal and physical protections for our furry friends. In 1986, the passage of the Georgia Animal Protection Act provided for the licensing of kennels, animal shelters, pet stores, and stables, and was the first legislation to demand a minimum standard of care for the animals housed in these facilities. This was a huge win for animal rights groups. Another provision and act, respectively, that expanded animal rights was the Humane Euthanasia Act of 1990 and the Animal Rights Act of 2000.
In 1992, the International Society for Animal Rights conceived International Homeless Animals Day (IHAD), which has only grown in popularity by year. ISAR offers events from dog walks to adopt-a-thons to animal blessings on IHAD, and many volunteers participate. Today, and every day, we can all be a voice for homeless animals, and help mitigate their suffering.
Purpose:
The purpose of the celebration is to call on the population of countries around the world to think about the fate of abandoned animals and provide them with better living conditions.
Animal rights activists also strive to reduce the number of homeless animals through sterilization, since uncontrolled reproduction leads to an increase in their numbers. Some veterinary clinics join the campaign and conduct free sterilization of homeless cats and dogs on this day.
How to Solve the Homeless Animal Problem?
Shelters
Pet Adoption
Taxes
Chipping
Shelters:
Shelters are great at taking in homeless animals, but they need money for food, supplies, and more space for the strays they bring in. Posting about International Homeless Animal Day, attending events, or simply donating your own money to support the cause goes a long way to keeping these shelters open. After all, these shelters are on the front lines of the homeless epidemic, and the financial support raised by IHAD is invaluable.
Pet Adoption:
There is no better way to clean out a shelter than through adoption. One of IHAD’s many adoption events is the annual Adoption Marathon, which takes place in many locations. We appreciate the effort they put into placing homeless animals in good homes, and this work goes a long way toward freeing up shelter space for more homeless animals and alleviating their suffering.
Chipping:
Essential registration and microchipping of pets.
Taxes:
Non-departmental pet tax.
Free sterilization:
Some veterinary clinics offer free sterilization of cats and dogs not only on this day, but also regularly. For example, in Ulan-Ude, such free operations have recently started to be held every Thursday at the city's animal disease control station.
Charity fairs and festivals:
Traditionally, charity fairs and festivals coincide with the date of the holiday to help shelters and foundations, as well as direct exhibitions where homeless animals can go to new families. Money from thematic concerts and performances, as well as funds from the sale of souvenirs, go to the accounts of organizations fighting the problem.
Do not feed stray animals
Many people believe that the simplest and most effective way to help a stray animal is simply to feed it. Many people practice this, we all have encountered similar examples. But episodic feedings are a substitute for help that soothes one's conscience. Uncontrolled feeding leads to an increase in the number of stray animals. For example, one adult cat can give birth to up to 15 kittens each year. And feeding dogs leads to spontaneous packs. In addition, poor quality food can endanger the health and life of a stray animal.
Why should you adopt a homeless animal?
You are saving a life! There are about 2,000 homeless animals in Kyiv alone, and the entire country is critically short of specialized shelters. In addition, people often throw domestic and purebred pets out into the street.
You will find a loyal friend! It is believed that yard dogs are the smartest and most loyal. After all, they grew up on the street, so they know how to appreciate care and affection, even in minimal quantities.
It is completely free. Shelters give you a healthy, sterilized and vaccinated animal, which will be very happy with its new owner.
You will not have to worry about your furniture. Shelters usually give away adult dogs and cats that will not ruin carpets, furniture and shoes.
5 сompelling facts about animal homelessness:
Big Operation
It’s estimated that 6.5 million companion animals are brought to U.S. shelters every year, and it’s a pretty even split - 3.2 million cats and 3.3 million dogs.
Spay and Neuter Your Pets
Only about 10% of animals that are brought into shelters are spayed or neutered. Many animals are killed annually because pets unintentionally reproduce.
Not All Mutts
An estimated 25% of all dogs that enter local shelters are actually purebreds.
The Lucky 10%
Sadly, it’s estimated that only 10% of all dogs born will find a forever home. We can change that with awareness, spaying, neutering, and adoption.
No Shortage of Strays
In the United States, there are 70 million stray animals living on the streets.
What Happens to Homeless Animals?
Homeless dogs and cats on the streets get hit by cars, are vulnerable to attacks by other animals and cruel people, and contract, spread, suffer and die from contagious diseases. Simple infections left untreated can become deadly, and internal and external parasites literally eat them alive. They freeze in the winter and suffer from heat exhaustion when temperatures soar in the summer. Puddles of water that they find to drink from can be frozen over in winter and are often polluted with motor oil, pesticides, and other dangerous substances. The lives of homeless dogs and cats are spent in fear and discomfort and then finally cut short.
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