If you ever glance out of the window onto the streets of Bangkok, you might wonder, “why are there so many dogs wandering around?” And I’m not talking about the cute, fluffy ones you see on TikTok; these dogs roam aimlessly only to get crushed by cars or otherwise damaged by self-proclaimed “caring” people. These free-ranging dogs often initiate arguments among the humans around them: “who is responsible for this neglected dog”?. If the dispute cannot be resolved, someone’s solution might be to carefully and, under the cover of darkness, poison the dog. Not exactly proper Buddhist behaviour.
The “Growing Number” Predicament
Despite my infatuation with dogs, those “caring” (and maybe not so caring) people do raise one valid point – the “canine crisis” exists in Thailand, as well as in other countries. Here is a graph to show the sheer population of dogs in comparison to humans:
Undoubtedly, there are remarkable similarities between both graphs. One may assert that dogs are domesticated animals, and since prehistoric times, people bred them to reap the benefits through hunting, herding, and guarding themselves against interlopers; nothing is better than having a pack of these companions by your side, right?
While this is true, the increasing accessibility of food scraps for dogs nowadays (a result of ineffective waste management) precipitates the overpopulation issue. But, what further exacerbates this complication is the rapid reproduction rate of up to 16 puppies (across two litters) per female dog. The booming population of dogs can consequently be said to be proportional to the number of humans on Earth.
Failed Attempts
Humans are ultimately the most intelligent species on the planet, yet, we uncover numerous failed attempts to ethically curb the population growth of dogs and other domesticated animals.
1. Slaughterhouse
Far from the most moral method, it includes barbarically ending a dog’s life through physical and often violent means. Multiple countries, including Japan and even our country Thailand, pursue this approach. However, it is predominantly only smaller and rural districts that lack the financial resources to seek an appropriate remedy. Hence, a solution to this secondary problem is to emphasise the importance of education to provide alternatives to this dire situation
2. Poison
Not as tormenting as decapitation in the slaughterhouse, some governments, including Greece’s, have decided to implement this plan. To all dog lovers worldwide, this is still prominently disturbing and, thus, not the most preferred solution.
What choice do we have?
Although many solutions remain ambiguous, and to some extent, most are, there are still some considerations which should be taken: for it is just a simple matter of resolute obligation and responsibility that will make a phenomenal change.
Instead, adopt and foster one from a breeder, an animal shelter or an adoption centre. Despite there being no such thing as an overnight success, your firm will and unwavering determination will make significant progress.
For those who deem spay/neuter surgeries an infringement on an animal’s rights unacceptable, contraceptive implants and pills to control fertility temporarily are available in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, under consultation with a veterinarian. The use of inexpensive permanent non-surgical sterilisation by injection has been explored, and the outcome appears promising.
If you have found a lost pet, be aware of infectious diseases or dangers arising from its innately wild nature surrounding it, such as physical aggression. Contact an animal shelter or rescue nearby to restrain and transport it safely.
These quadruped species have long been residing on Earth for over aeons before humans. They deserve to live peacefully as they wish to without being harmed, exploited or injured.
Use your vocal powers to bring public attention and impart knowledge through various media channels. This little straightforward contribution can make an impactful difference.
There are several animal welfare organisations across the globe to which you can reach out to save their lives, their health and our community’s health:
Local worldvegantravel.com
Global dharamsalaanimalrescue.org
We share the same community with these pets; their world now belongs to us. If we make life better for them, we build a better life for all of society. Before being unkindly euthanised, these unrestrained wanderers should be supported to find their loving homes.
— Writer Vachiravich (Turbo) Phantratanamongkol can be reached at vaph26@patana.ac.th
Follow him on Instagram [turbo.phan] & Facebook [Vachiravich Phantratanamongkol]
— Edited by Luanne Poh, Editor-in-Chief.
Source:
sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu
Image source:
Dog eating leftover food from the garbage
