Posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2008
In one study, The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) lists the top ten reported reasons why dogs are deposited in a shelter:
1. Family moving
2. Landlord issues
3. Too many animals in household
4.Cost of pet maintenance
5. Owner’s personal problems
6. Inadequate facilities
7. No homes available for littermates
8. Have no time for pet
9. Pet illnesses
10. Biting
The majority of those dogs (37.1%) had been owned from seven months to one year, and half (50.8%) of the dogs surrendered were not neutered. Dogs acquired from friends were given up at a higher rate (31.4%) than from any other source and most dogs (96%) had not received any obedience training.
Ongoing studies validate the importance of nurturing the development of the human-canine bond in order to reduce the number of dogs relinquished to shelters. In some cases, there are no seemingly viable alternatives for the dog owners. In many cases, it is just simply easier than taking the time, effort and money to find the dog a new and loving home.
Education is key to changing behaviors of those that see animals as feeling-less, valueless possessions. Instead, we need to help kids understand that dogs are sentient creatures. And this starts with kids–very young kids. Introducing compassion and animal care training programs into schools at a very early age will set the stage for a new world in one generation.
