Abandoned pets

Abandoned pets are companion animals that are either inadvertently or deliberately cast off by their owners. This commonly occurs when an owner dies, when a pet becomes disruptive or grows too large, or if the pet was acquired impulsively. The financial crisis of 2007–2010 has resulted in a number of pets abandoned for economic reasons. Typical of this group are pets left behind when the owner's home is foreclosed. These animals can be left alone on the property or dropped off at an animal shelter. They are often discovered after the foreclosure process, when the realtor or bank enters the home. Animals lucky enough to survive until they are discovered are often in poor condition due to lack of resources such as food and water.[1]

Abandonment

Pets are abandoned for a variety of reasons. Often, when abandoned, pets are forced to fend for themselves, and become feral. In particular, cats and dogs go to colonies. Feral cats are said to outnumber feral dogs. Feral cats are difficult to deal with, as often they become impossible to socialize enough to be re-introduced to a new human owner. In general, only some newly abandoned cats and very young feral kittens can be tamed.[2]

In many states in the United States, it is illegal to abandon a pet. In Iowa, doing so is a misdemeanor.[3]

Foreclosure pets

Currently the exact number of foreclosed pets is unknown. People often drop animals off at a shelter and claim they are moving, when in fact they are leaving due to foreclosure.[4] In 2008, the number of foreclosure pets is believed to had increased due to high foreclosure rates. As homeowners run out of time and options, they often leave their animals behind.[5] The animals are then classified as abandoned foreclosure pets.

The pets left behind in homes are often left without food or water. Some do not survive because of the lack of resources and are found dead when realtors or banks enter the premises. The animals are put in harm's way, and it is often believed it is done as a way to retaliate against those who took the home away.[6]

Shelters

Many animals left at a shelter are euthanized due to lack of space and financial resources for these animals. Shelters unable to raise additional funds to provide for the increased number of incoming animals have no choice but to euthanize them, sometimes within days.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Richard Rogers (30 August 2009). "Animal welfare crisis unfolds in Germany as refuges deluged". The Observer.
  2. ↑ Seidman, Susan M. (2001). The pet surplus: what every dog and cat owner can do to help reduce it. S. M. Seidman. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7388-5831-9.
  3. ↑ Ta, Linh (15 August 2018). "'It's heart-wrenching': Unwanted dogs left on their own in Iowa forest". USA Today. De Moines Register. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  4. ↑ Peters, Sharon L. (9 July 2008). "Foreclosures slam doors on pets, too". USATODAY. California. p. 1. Retrieved 6 August 2009.
  5. ↑ Nieves, Evelyn (29 January 2008). "Foreclosures Lead to". FOXNEWS. California. p. 1. Retrieved 6 August 2009.
  6. ↑ Sullivan, Carole (25 October 2007). "Foreclosures Lead to Rise in Abandoned Pets in Cleveland". WKYC. Cleveland. p. 1. Retrieved 6 August 2009.
  7. ↑ Lewis, Laura Dawn (2009). Laid Off, Now What?!? Financial Savvy, Book 1. Couples Company, Inc. p. 29. ISBN 978-0-9671042-6-3.

Bibliography

  • "In Difficult Times, ASPCA Urges Families Facing Foreclosure: "Please, Don't Leave Your Pets Behind"" (Press release). ASPCA. 28 January 2009. Retrieved 20 August 2009.
  • "Abandoned Foreclosure Pets" (Press release). ForeclosureDeals. 25 July 2009. Retrieved 20 October 2011.


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