# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
FOUR PAWS International - Animal Welfare Organisation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The struggle of being a stray animal

Not every free-roaming (wandering the streets without supervision) dog or cat can be called a 'stray'.

'Real' stray dogs and cats have been abandoned by their owners or were born onto the streets and have no one to care for them. We often find these animals wandering around in their territory in cities or rural areas, scavenging for food and shelter.

These stray animals' lives are hard, with many daily challenges: for example, it is a struggle to find food, water and shelter, and they are usually without any medical care. They are also deprived of the love and companionship they need to thrive. Therefore, each day is a struggle to survive. Stray dogs and cats generally have high mortality rates, especially puppies and kittens.

Community-owned dogs and cats are typically cared for by community members but wander freely without specific owners. While they are generally accepted as part of the community, not everyone tolerates or likes them. Sadly, when these animals become sick or injured, they lack access to the necessary medical care due to limited resources in many communities.

Sterilisation programmes are vital for community animals (and free-roaming pets) as they interact with stray populations and contribute to the overpopulation of unwanted animals. Understanding and addressing the complex connection between community animals and strays is crucial in any population management programme.

Why stray animal care is essential

While some people may perceive stray dogs and cats as nuisances, these animals are only on the streets or in shelters due to inadequate human care and are in dire need of assistance. They endure tremendously difficult and brief lives. Furthermore, they often suffer from untreated illnesses, injuries, and, at times, deliberate abuse. In addition to their own plight, these animals also present several risks to humans and other animals.

Stray dogs and cats wandering the streets can carry zoonotic diseases like rabies and toxoplasmosis. Moreover, they can cause property damage or environmental contamination. When feeling threatened, they may display aggression, leading to potential harm to humans and other animals. Furthermore, their presence near roadways increases the likelihood of traffic accidents.

FOUR PAWS operates stray animal care programmes to provide respectful and compassionate treatment for these homeless animals, essentially pets without a home. Through these programmes, we strive to address the causes of stray animals and not just the symptoms to help humanely reduce the number of abandoned pets in the future.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Often seen as nuisances but in need of love, help and care. Find out more!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dogs are, without a doubt, man's best friend. However, almost every day we hear about way too many cases of mankind failing to hold up their end of this relationship. While some abandon their four-legged friends at the slightest inconvenience, some monsters among us physically abuse them to such an extent that it would be a disservice to the animal kingdom to call their actions animalistic. The internet was recently reminded of the harsh realities of animal abuse when a 12-year-old boy made the heartbreaking decision to part ways with his beloved pup to protect the canine from his abusive father.

According to CNN, a pitbull puppy was left outside a shelter in the Mexican state of Michoacan on February 13. In an emotional letter he left with the canine, the boy who identified himself as Andrés, explained that he was giving up the puppy to protect him from his violent and abusive father who was planning to sell the animal. The letter that was shared on Facebook by dog rescue group Xollin reads: My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him.

But he mistreats and kicks him. One day he kicked him so hard that he hurt his tail. I hope you can help and take care of him. I left him a stuffed animal so he won't forget me, Andrés added. Unfortunately, not much is known about the boy except for his name, age and that he is from Mexico. Soon after receiving the puppy, the shelter took him for a health check-up as-like the boy mentions in his letter-the canine's tail had been fractured and required immediate medical attention.

Xollin also revealed in the Facebook post that they would have the puppy dewormed and get started on his health chart before putting him up for adoption. "We need to take the dog to the vet so he can check his tail, which apparently is fractured. We also need to remove parasites and get him a check-up. This means more expenses and work for us, but luckily the dog will be safe," the group said in the post. Soon after sharing the post, the animal shelter was flooded with over 300 adoption requests for the pup from across the country.

However, the group reminded the internet that in addition to the pitbull puppy-who they've named Rene-that the shelter houses about 120 other animals who are also in need of loving homes. "If everyone opened their heart and their home like this little dog, they would have adopted all our dogs from the shelter," the rescuers said in a Facebook post. Andrés and Rene's story also touched the hearts of social media users across the globe, many of whom offered to help with his veterinary expenses.

Facebook user Paul El-Meouchy wrote: Hello - I live in the US, so it would be very difficult to adopt one of your dogs, and I already have a wonderful rescue dog of my own named Max, but we would love to donate a little money to help with veterinary expenses. Please let me know if this is possible and how to do it. Another user, Doolzhe Morales, commented: Those puppies are super affectionate and grateful. Mine is very tender and not aggressive at all ... take care of it, you can see that this little one. Can you tell me how can I support you, please? Send me inbox with your card number. Meanwhile, Joann Soares expressed concern for Andrés and his mother, writing: I just hope that someone helps that boy and his mother to get out of that situation. And that maybe he can get his puppy back. for that little boy to do what he did he has a huge heart. His mommy brought him up right. I just hope that he can get back together with his puppy and be safe with his mom and grow up happy and be a man better than his father.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12-year-old leaves his beloved pup outside an animal shelter to protect him from his abusive father

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dogs are, without a doubt, man's best friend. However, almost every day we hear about way too many cases of mankind failing to hold up their end of this relationship. While some abandon their four-legged friends at the slightest inconvenience, some monsters among us physically abuse them to such an extent that it would be a disservice to the animal kingdom to call their actions animalistic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The condition of Tia and Shakira's hooves shocked the rescuers, and Nevins Farm barn staff say they are the worst they have ever seen

LUDLOW, Mass. ( WCVB) - A Ludlow woman is facing animal cruelty charges after two horses were found living in stalls with piles of manure so high that the animals' backs were pressed against the barn roof rafters, causing sores, the MSPCA said.

On Feb. 5, a team from the MSPCA spent two hours digging the horses out of their stalls because the manure blocked the doors. The animals are now being cared for by the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen.

Nancy L. Golec of Ludlow, the former owner of the horses, has been charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty. Golec was arraigned in Palmer District Court on Feb. 24.

Their overgrown and misshapen hooves contributed to imbalances that have significantly impacted their health.

"We're going to do everything possible to help them live the rest of their lives without pain, but that will be determined by the degree to which we can reshape the hooves," said Lauze.

X-rays confirmed changes to the coffin bones of both of Shakira's front hooves, but the staff are hopeful these changes will not further erode the quality of her life, the MSPCA said.

"It really depends on the extent to which her hooves can be reshaped," added Lauze.

Tia's radiographs, however, show immense deformation of the coffin bones in her hind hooves, among other bone changes that could forever compromise her health.

The Nevins Farm team will continue to rehabilitate both horses in hopes that they can be placed for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting can email barnstaff@mspca.org for more information.

Readers who wish to contribute toward the horses' mounting medical bills may do so by way of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm Ashton's Hope Fund.
Click here for updates on this story
Comments

comments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Horses living in piles of manure rescued; woman faces animal cruelty charges

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LUDLOW, Mass. ( WCVB) - A Ludlow woman is facing animal cruelty charges after two horses were found living in stalls with piles of manure so high that the animals' backs were pressed against the barn roof rafters, causing sores, the MSPCA said. On Feb.

# data[].attributes.headline
Teen Activist Making Bows to help Shelter Dogs

# data[].attributes.subject
Teen Activist Making Bows to help Shelter Dogs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A New Jersey teenager is helping shelter dogs and cats get adopted one homemade bow tie at a time.

Sir Darius Brown, 13, was born with a fine motor skill delay, so when he was eight years old his mother, Joy Brown, thought it would be useful for him to begin working with his hands.

His sister, Dazhai Shearz, was a hair stylist and at the time was making her own hair bows. Sir Darius wanted to be just like her, so his mother had the idea that he could become her "assistant," helping her cut fabric and eventually using the sewing machine.

When Shearz realized her brother wouldn't get much use out of hair bows, she gave him a strap and encouraged him to try making it into a bow tie. He started sewing bow ties together and wearing his own creations.

In 2017, two years after Sir Darius began making his own bow ties, Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma struck Texas and Florida. Sir Darius saw the damage through a telethon and asked his mother if they could send money to help the families who were impacted.

Brown explained that she didn't have the means to donate a significant amount of money, and told her son that if he wanted to help he would need to get creative.

Sir Darius saw online videos of animals who were being shipped to shelters near him from Florida and Texas following the hurricanes, and decided that his bow ties would be his creative way to help.

"At first I didn't get it," Brown said. "But then he explained that he could donate his bow ties to the shelters and if the dogs wear them they'll be looking cute and dapper and people will want to adopt them."

Brown told her son it was a great idea and he soon brought his first batch of bow ties to their local ASPCA. It was during that visit he learned that some shelters euthanize animals if they aren't adopted, and Sir Darius decided he wanted to help as many animals as he could.

Sir Darius began to make 10 to 15 bow ties a week, each bow tie taking around 30 minutes to make on his sewing machine at home. Sir Darius makes the majority of the bow ties on the weekend, so it doesn't interfere with his school work.

The more bow ties he donated, the more demand came from shelters wanting them. Brown set up a GoFundMe account for her son so they could raise money for more fabric.

In the summer of 2019, instead of just shipping the bow ties, Sir Darius and his mom visited seven states and delivered bow ties to shelters in need.

"At first it's sad seeing the dogs in their cages," Sir Darius said. "But I just keep reminding myself that I am doing this to help."

Since Sir Darius began his bow tie initiative, he estimates he has made 400 to 500 bow ties and has helped more than 100 animals find their forever home.

"He's amazing. I really think I want to be like him when I grow up," Brown says. "He's selfless. He just gives from his heart."

Sir Darius hopes to one day travel to all 50 states to personally donate his bow ties to shelters all over the country.

"I want to help as many dogs as I possibly can and to continue to give back to others," Sir Darius said. "I want to inspire the youth to give back to the community as well, and use your passion to help others."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
13-year-old boy sews bow ties in adorable effort to help shelter animals get adopted

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A New Jersey teenager is helping shelter dogs and cats get adopted one homemade bow tie at a time. Sir Darius Brown, 13, was born with a fine motor skill delay, so when he was eight years old his mother, Joy Brown, thought it would be useful for him to begin working with his hands.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Olympian Gus Kenworthy managed to convince a South Korean dog farmer to shut down his farm, rescuing the farm's dogs from a grisly fate.
Mr Kenworthy, a freestyle skier who's competing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, has used the games to spotlight the inhumane treatment of dogs in South Korea.

Gus worked with the Humane Society International, to convince the farmer to shut down his farm, freeing 90 dogs and taking them to the US and Canada.

Well, almost all the dogs. Gus kept one for himself, a puppy he named Beemo.

In an Instagram post he wrote:

It's not my place to impose western ideals on the people here. The way these animals are being treated, however, is completely inhumane and culture should never be a scapegoat for cruelty.

This morning Matt and I had a heart-wrenching visit to one of the 17,000 dog farms here in South Korea. Across the country there are 2.5 million dogs being raised for food in some of the most disturbing conditions imaginable. Yes, there is an argument to be made that eating dogs is a part of Korean culture. And, while don't personally agree with it, I do agree that it's not my place to impose western ideals on the people here. The way these animals are being treated, however, is completely inhumane and culture should never be a scapegoat for cruelty. I was told that the dogs on this particular farm were kept in "good conditions" by comparison to other farms. The dogs here are malnourished and physically abused, crammed into tiny wire-floored pens, and exposed to the freezing winter elements and scorching summer conditions. When it comes time to put one down it is done so in front of the other dogs by means of electrocution sometimes taking up to 20 agonizing minutes. Despite the beliefs of some, these dogs are no different from the ones we call pets back home. Some of them were even pets at one time and were stolen or found and sold into the dog meat trade. Luckily, this particular farm (thanks to the hard work of the Humane Society International and the cooperation of a farmer who's seen the error of his ways) is being permanently shut down and all 90 of the dogs here will be brought to the US and Canada where they'll find their fur-ever homes. I adopted the sweet baby in the first pic (we named her Beemo) and she'll be coming to the US to live with me as soon as she's through with her vaccinations in a short couple of weeks. I cannot wait to give her the best life possible! There are still millions of dogs here in need of help though (like the Great Pyrenees in the 2nd pic who was truly the sweetest dog ever). I'm hoping to use this visit as an opportunity to raise awareness to the inhumanity of the dog meat trade and the plight of dogs everywhere, including back home in the US where millions of dogs are in need of loving homes! Go to @hsiglobal's page to see how you can help. #dogsarefriendsnotfood #adoptdontshop ❤️🐶

A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on

Kenworthy has something of a reputation for rescuing dogs while competing at the Olympics. In 2014, while competing at the Sochi games in Russia he saved five strays who were roaming the city.

Eating dog meat, known locally as Gaegogi, has a long tradition in Korea where it's used in recipes designed to restore virility. The practice, however, remains controversial due to sanitary and animal rights concerns.

While South Korea adopted its first Animal Protection Law in May, 1991, it never prohibited the slaughter of dogs for their meat, simply banning the killing of animals in brutal ways.

Despite this, unlike beef, pork or chicken, dog meat is excluded from the list of livestock under the Livestock Processing Act of 1962.

This means that there are no regulations when it comes to slaughtering dogs for meat and this leads to them being killed in numerous cruel ways, including electrocution, strangulation and some are even allegedly beaten to death.

Proponents of Gaegogi believe that the meat should be regulated like any other to ensure that the meat is prepared in humane and sanitary ways.

Others, however, believe the practice should be banned entirely.

Thankfully the practice seems to be dying out in South Korea. A 2007 survey by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture revealed that 59 percent of Koreans under 30 would not eat dog.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Olympic Skier Shuts Down Dog Farm In South Korea And Will Bring Puppies Home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Olympian Gus Kenworthy managed to convince a South Korean dog farmer to shut down his farm, rescuing the farm's dogs from a grisly fate. Mr Kenworthy, a freestyle skier who's competing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, has used the games to spotlight the inhumane treatment of dogs in South Korea.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about the ASPCA’s work to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide. Join our fight today!

# data[].attributes.body
Animal Abandonment Facts

# data[].attributes.body
Faye Carey Prezi Presentation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Faye Carey Chapter 2 Stray Animals There are many homeless animals.There are also many reasons on why there are so many homeless animals. One reason is that people don't spay or neuter their pets. Only about 10% of animals that enter shelters are spayed or neutered.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Scared Homeless Dog Rescue and Transformation Will Melt Your Heart | Howl Of A Dog

# data[].attributes.body
Pet Abandonment Video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Created using PowToon -- Free sign up at http://www.powtoon.com/youtube/ -- Create animated videos and animated presentations for free. PowToon is a free tool that allows you to develop cool animated clips and animated presentations for your website, office meeting, sales pitch, nonprofit fundraiser, product launch, video resume, or anything else you could use an animated explainer video.

# data[].attributes.body
Animal Re-Home Video

# data[].attributes.body
Teen Activism - Faye Carey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
﻿ FAYE CAREY ﻿ Who Is This Activist? ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Newshub and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates/news, ads, and offers. To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

# data[].attributes.body
American Humane Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Pet "overpopulation" encompasses two primary factors: (1) allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance to find homes for the offspring and (2) pets being relinquished by owners who can no longer keep their animals, or who no longer want them.

Every year, millions of cats and dogs are euthanized in our nation's animal shelters because there are more pets than there are responsible homes for them. Until this issue is resolved, American Humane believes that all cats and dogs adopted from public or private animal care and control facilities should be spayed or neutered (i.e., sterilized). Such sterilization includes prepubertal spaying and neutering of kittens and puppies. American Humane supports the passage of laws and regulations mandating that all cats and dogs adopted from public or private animal care and control facilities be sterilized. It is less certain that community-wide mandatory spay/neuter laws are effective in addressing pet overpopulation. More information needs to be gathered on the benefit of prior legislative initiatives to determine long-term benefits.

American Humane encourages the veterinary profession to assist, whenever and however possible, in reducing the number of unwanted pets. This involvement includes supporting the neutering of cats and dogs adopted from public or private animal care and control facilities - thereby controlling the ongoing contribution of offspring to pet overpopulation. Veterinarians should continue to use their best judgment when recommending appropriate sterilization ages for individual cats and dogs owned by clients, especially those clients who are wellknown and likely to permit an unwanted pregnancy to occur prior to surgery. Short-term and long-term health risks for each animal should always be assessed. American Humane encourages research into the development and use of nonsurgical methods of sterilization.

American Humane also supports research to assess the causes for pet relinquishment. Prior research studies suggest that 7 to 20 percent of pets entering a home are no longer in that home six months after acquisition. These animals often end up at shelters, contributing to the pet "overpopulation" issue. Thus, American Humane wishes to understand individual, cultural and community issues that lead to pet relinquishment and to develop practical and effective intervention strategies.

What you can do to combat pet overpopulation:

1. If you are adding a pet to your family, make sure the pet comes from a legitimate shelter, nonprofit rescue group or a responsible, humane breeder.

2. Always spay and neuter your pets.

3. Consider all the responsibilities and consequences of pet ownership before deciding to get a pet and always make a lifetime commitment to your pet.

4. Educate your children, friends, family members and co-workers about pet overpopulation, adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering.

You can help stop generations of suffering. Have your female pet spayed and your male pet neutered. Don't allow them to breed and add to the pet overpopulation problem.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pet "overpopulation" encompasses two primary factors: (1) allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance to find homes for the offspring and (2) pets being relinquished by owners who can no longer keep their animals, or who no longer...