do you think stray animals should be killed?And are strays a problem?

Answer 1

I work in a full service humane society ( we provide euthanasia services and do not turn away ANY animal as long as it is not wildlife because we are not licensed)
I don't think it is fair to assume that every animal in a shelter is a stray. The majority of animals are, but in my shelter we are seeing an increase in owner surrendered animals. This tells me that people are not thinking through the addition of an animal- the purchase cost, vet expense, stress on current animals, landlord issues, impulse purchase,municpal laws, behavior problems,etc.
There are also animals that are not safe to put back into the community in my opinion. Aggressive animals, animals with a bite history, animals with human aggression, etc.
There are also certain behaviors that make an animal unadoptable: housesoiling, spraying, severe separation anxiety.
Chronic health problems is another concern. I believe in the quality of life not the quantity. These are just some of the reasons why stray and owner surrendered animals that come into my shelter are euthanized.
I know when I am putting myself in a potential adopters shoes, why on earth would I want to bring home a cat that does not use its litterbox?? A dog that cannot be safely confined because it is upset about being left alone?
A 15-year old diabetic dog/cat that will need extensive veterinary care and treatment? A dog aggressive pitbull removed from a fighting home? An animal so horrifically abused that it loses all trust in humans?
Can some of these behaviors be worked with? To a certain degree, most of these issues are "fixable", but I think that should be done by the original owner. It is irresponsible to pass the buck onto someone else. If you are not willing to tolerate or accept a certain behavior/issue, why should someone else? We live in a sue happy society, so liability becomes an issue.

There is an overpopulation of animals in this country. That is a fact. What needs to happen is more responsible pet ownership who spay/neuter their animals, who do their research before purchasing/adopting, who do not bail out at the first sign of trouble, who will provide for an animal for their lifetime, not until we tire of it.
Until we really look at the cause of why there are so many homeless animals and what we can do and are currently doing to alleviate this "problem", euthanasia is always going to be a controversial topic.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, it is the reality of the world. Strays really are not the problem. It is the people who get a puppy have it for awhile and then develop allergies to it, it is distructive because it is left alone, or they have a new baby and think they dont have time for that dog anymore. Those are some of the most common reasons why someone gives up their dog. If only having a dog or cat was a lifetime committment to the animal we would have alot less unwanted dogs. Also another big problem are the people who view their pets more or less like property or a way to make money breeding pups several times a year.. or breeding their dog because it is a "pure" bred or it is AKC registered. Unfortunately that is why you see such physical differences from one dog to another who are of the same breed. People really don't do everything that is necessary to ensure they are only breeding dogs that will better the breed. Then there are the people who think letting their dog or cat have one litter before it is fixed is okay too. There are many myths out there to what makes a good pet. And some how along the lines having a litter or being a mother once will some how make their dog a better dog. I can ramble on and on about the subject. If people stopped breeding carelessly there wouldnt be puppies or kitties sold in pet stores who came from half across the country from huge breeding operations who sell them for $25-50 a pup and then the petstore turns around and sells them from $800. People are so caught up in the profit of selling dogs they forget that the puppy is a living breathing animal. And because someone couldnt wait til they found that reputable breeder and just went out and bought a puppy from a petstore there is a new place for another puppy from a puppymill.

Answer 3

No way I don't think no animal should be killed not even the ones that are dead...I am a proud member of the ASPCA and will not wait until everyone out there stops killing those poor and defenseless animals...

Living in this world has taught me to stand up for the poor and helpless...What if you were an animal would you like to be killed just because you bit a plant in someones backyard or because you had an accident on the porch of someones house?

So think about what you are doing to these poor animals out there and then you will find yourselves lost with them...

If you are poor and you hurt animals or people and you had money to support yourself, but not the animals, but still have one and give it your all that is what a true person is...

Although if you are rich you make so much money you give it away and you see something on your new Flat screen HD TV that an animal has been injured and abused and you say Ew that animal is nasty..What kind of person are you???

Well, if you are that kind of person we all wish that you lose all your money and live like the homeless...Would you feel the same way you did before??? I think not??? So how hard is it to help a animal in need for less then 60cents a day??? Not much, but you won't go for that because you are too good for it huh??? Well then I wouldn't even spit in your direction!!!

I mean c'mon they are doing no harm and some may even protect you and look at you wanting to poison it or injure it..etc..But what does the animal do to you...???Help you, love you and care for you, but they get nothing in return...So all I have to say is why should someone be killed if they are homeless....It is like saying to kill all the homeless people on earth because they are not good enough and they are bringing the community down...Well if you think like that it's just sad...I have been raised to say if you do not like animals what makes you so sure you like people????

A problem in this world are not strays the problem is the president we have..He is killing animals and people all around Iraq...They are people too and shouldn't deserve this and they did nothing wrong..All he wants is Oil..Well I hope he goes to the grave with that oil and that richness he has..While others are suffering and losing their lives like the animals and people out there...

People don't let these animals go away just because someone feels like killing them because they did something..Join the ASPCA and fight for a new life of an animal Today!!!

Answer 4

The problem with feral cats is that they will reproduce over and over. Contact a pet rescue in your area and see if they will live trap them and have them neutered and then they can be released back to the same area, which will at least keep them from populating further. There are also motion activated water sprinklers, which would deter them for sure. And I do like the dog idea too ;)

Answer 5

in some ways killing strays can be a good thing.
yet, it seems a bit inhumane.. sometimes though animals starve when there are far too many in one place. so yes and no strays
could benefit from being euthanized. and yes they can be a problem.

Answer 6

It's sad that this problem even exists but a problem it is. If it the difference between an animal starving to death or suffering abuse through neglect then it is better that it be put down. There are no irresponsible pets, just their owners.

Bob Barker has been promoting the concept for years, be a responsible pet owner and have your pet spay or neutered.

Answer 7

No. Some strays are actually people's pets. Not all of them are strays.

Strays a problem? Not here.

One reason for strays is that people need to neuter and spay their pets. Then we wouldn't have strays and overflowing shelters.

Answer 8

They should only be put down if they are dangerous or got seriously injured. I wish more people would donate money to their local animal shelter so the animals wouldn't have to be put down. If you can buy groceries for the needy at holidays, then why not a bag of dog food for a needy animal? My daughter's class brought in animal items like blankets, food and snacks during Christmas to be donated to our local shelter. Unfortunately though, millions of animals will be put down due to lack of funding and space. Every animal should be spayed or neutered if you're not going to breed them. You can even get your pet 'fixed' free in some areas if you are low income.

Answer 9

unfortunately it is a necessary evil. due to overpopulation. if people would spay/neuter their pets, less would have to be euthanized. i work at a shelter that takes in 12000 animals a year. only 3000 make it out alive. and yes strays are a problem. everyone treats their animals like they are expendable.

Answer 10

NO I don't! I think puppy mills should be shut down and that people who have puppies and kittens should not be allowed to breed any more animals. We have enough that need homes in shelters. But killing them is not the option. Should we kill homeless people? NO!