Working with strays: a humane alternative

An estimated 75% of the world’s dog population are strays.  Managing them presents a problem in many countries, and has serious implications for animal welfare and public health, especially in relation to rabies.

Lack of animal welfare education and resources mean the methods used to limit stray populations are often horrifically inhumane – poisoning, shooting and electrocution are all common.

But killing street dogs is not effective, because it does not address the root cause of the problem.

A better way

WSPA’s work has shown that a humane and comprehensive approach works.

Sustainable population management strategies include:

• Promoting responsible pet ownership
• Legislative measures against cruelty to animals
• Identification and registration of dogs
• Neutering of stray and owned animals
• Vaccination against rabies and other diseases
  

Working worldwide

WSPA has worked with partner organizations across the world on effective dog population management programs, including:

• Animal birth control and rabies vaccination projects in India and Nepal
• Providing equipment and training to some of the first humane stray control programs in the Middle East
• Delivering training to local authorities in Brazil and Colombia on responsible pet ownership and the humane catching and handling of dogs

WSPA is also a member of the International Companion Animal Management (ICAM) Coalition, which seeks to support the development and use of humane and effective companion animal population management worldwide.

Please make a donation today to support WSPA's work with animals around the world.