Taking Home Stray Animals

Pet lovers have soft hearts. We can’t help it. It’s the touch of their soft fur. It’s the purring and cooing sounds they make when they nuzzle your leg on a cold winter evening. It’s the love and attention they give us when the rest of the world seems to have disappeared. A stray wandering the neighborhood is like a magnet for a pet lover, and we cannot resist helping the poor animal. That help, however, can exact a toll on you and the rest of your family - pets or people.

Many stray animals have simply runaway or gotten lost, but some have been abandoned by the owners. Neglected and possibly even abused, these animals may show aggression and be hiding deep-seated fear and rage. They may also carry diseases that can spread to other animals in the house. Because you don’t know their history, you don’t know the danger that they pose to you or your loved ones. It may be heartbreaking to not bring them inside, but it may also be the smartest thing you can do.

Strays that have been living on the street may have encountered rabid raccoons or other wild animals. Rabies is a virus that is transmitted by animal bites. It can be fatal in animals as well as in humans if not treated early. If untreated, the rabies infection will steadily spread, and symptoms may only appear once it is too late and you or your family have been bitten. You will have to endure many painful injections to treat the disease.

What to Do if You See A Stray Animal

If you feel compelled to help, there are other ways to help a stray animal without endangering yourself or your family. If the stray has a collar and tag, you may be able to contact the owners yourself and arrange for them to collect their pet. Shelters and doctors can help you check for a microchip, inserted under the animal’s skin, and although they may charge a fee, will keep the animal in their kennels until the owners are found.

If the stray is hanging around your neighborhood, it may just be lost. Take a photo of the animal and print some flyers to put up around town in shop windows and noticeboards. Describe the size, breed and color of the animal and put a contact number on the flyer as well.

You may have no choice but to call animal control. This is still a more pleasant option than the possible injury of the animal - or the people in the neighborhood. A stray animal may be sick or injured, and this can make them aggressive, especially if humans have abused them. The safest option for all concerned is to get the animal off the streets.

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