0

Help Stray Animals Around the World

April 4 is World Stray Animals Day, “the Day for Compassion, Care, and Action for Stray Dogs and Cats Worldwide.” This is a relatively new effort, begun in 2010 in the Netherlands, and to be honest we had not heard of it until 2013. But we think it’s a great idea! A group of Dutch organizations met for their first Dutch National Stray Animals Conference and came up with the idea for a special day to raise awareness about stray animals worldwide. Cesar Millan of “Dog Whisperer” fame has been the ambassador since 2011.

Millions of animals are without regular sources of food and shelter, much less loving homes. They are more at risk for diseases, don’t live as long, and can be victims of abuse. It is also not uncommon to see Siamese cats, both purebreds and crosses, as strays. They are abandoned when owners lose their homes or otherwise cannot care for them, or they are the result of accidental or backyard breeding. Some Siamese have sadly become so distrustful that they cannot be rehomed, though they still need volunteer sponsorships to help with long-term care!

Luckily, there are things we can do to help animals in need, and we know that so many of you already come to their aid–feeding stray and feral colonies, donating time, supplies and money, educating on the importance of spay and neuter, and sharing photos and stories about cats and dogs who need forever homes! The organizers behind World Stray Animals Day list these suggestions:

If you’re an individual:
– adopt a stray dog [or cat] – ask your local animal shelter how you can help
– share the cause of 4/4 Stray Animals Day with everybody you know

If you’re a stray animals organization:
– organize a pack dog walk
– organize a lottery for your cause
– hold a stray adoption day
– hand a petition to the community council
– hang 4/4 posters all around your city
– organize a free spay and neuter day
– get your shelter on local TV or in the newspaper
– collect stuff to support a shelter
– organize a demonstration, fair, or market

www.strayanimalsday.org

The more people that come together at the same time to help, the better! But the best part is that we can help any time of year 🙂 Thank you for all that you do!