Did you know that there is a day dedicated to abandoned animals? Celebrated annually on the third Saturday of August since 1992, the date is an invitation to reflect on the importance of caring for and protecting pets, who are often forgotten and live in precarious conditions, facing loneliness, hunger and danger.
Animal abandonment is a serious social issue and has negative impacts not only on the health and well-being of the animals themselves, but also on the communities in which they live. Therefore, raising awareness about the issue is essential to combat the problem.
Some simple actions can help reduce the number of abandonments and promote a better quality of life for these animals. The main one is conscious and responsible adoption. Read the article to learn more.
Why do people abandon animals?
Animal abandonment is a persistent problem not only here, but in many parts of the world. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30 million animals, including cats and dogs, were abandoned on the streets of Brazil in 2022.
Even though it is considered a crime under Article 1 of Law No. 14,064/2020, with a sentence of 2 (two) to 5 (five) years, a fine and a ban on custody, the number of abandoned animals is only increasing. We continue to see many animals wandering the streets, facing disease, hunger and even mistreatment.
The most common reasons for abandoning a pet are:
- birth of a baby in the family;
- illness;
- holiday season;
- financial difficulties,
- lack of responsibility on the part of the guardians.
Responsible adoption
Some abandonment situations could easily be avoided if there was adequate knowledge and greater responsibility when taking a pet home. Not acting impulsively is the first of them. It is important to keep in mind that cute puppies grow up and require long-term care.
Responsible adoption is a light at the end of the tunnel and a powerful way to combat the sad reality of abandonment. By choosing to adopt a rescued animal, you are giving them a second chance.
This attitude not only saves lives, but also provides a home full of love and a safe environment for pets.
However, the decision must be taken seriously and taking into account some aspects such as:
- available and quality time to provide physical and mental stimulation to the pet;
- commitment to a healthy and balanced diet;
- castrate the animal to prevent future pregnancies;
- be up to date with vaccinations;
- make regular visits to the vet.
Necessary awareness
Raising awareness about the real meaning of adopting a pet and the care involved is extremely important to help reduce the number of abandonments.
Adopting a pet is a significant responsibility and requires commitment, patience and financial resources to ensure the animal’s well-being throughout its life.
How can we help reduce abandonment?
Some simple actions can make a big difference and help reduce the number of abandoned animals. Here are some tips:
Talk about the issue with friends and acquaintances : Awareness often starts on a personal level. By educating those around you about the issues surrounding animal abandonment and sharing real stories, you can raise awareness of the cause.
Raise awareness about abandonment issues: It is important to highlight the negative impacts of animal abandonment, such as the pet’s mental health, the risks to public health and the emotional and financial cost to society as a whole.
Support NGOs and Charities : NGOs play an essential role in raising awareness, rescuing, and caring for abandoned animals. Donating money, supplies, or volunteering time can make a big difference.
Responsible adoption : As mentioned above, adopting a rescued animal is a great way to make a difference. By adopting, people show that abandoned pets deserve a home full of love and affection.
Remember that changing mindsets is a gradual process, but each action contributes to a better world for animals. With continued awareness and education efforts, it is possible to reduce animal abandonment. Let’s do this together?
From the streets to your home
Initiatives like the Adote Petz program play a vital role in promoting responsible adoption and connecting abandoned animals with people who are willing to offer them a loving home.
Partnerships with NGOs and animal protection organizations are essential in these cases and help reduce the number of abandoned animals, as is the case with Confraria Miados e Latidos.
The NGO, a Petz partner, plays a fundamental role in rescuing cats in situations of abandonment and abuse, protecting and promoting the appropriate referral of pets to the adoption point, located in the stores.