In the United States, approximately 6.3 million animals enter the shelters every year, and many more are still on the street 1. Many of these animals were once cared for by humans, but were surrendered or abandoned. While stray animals are at the forefront of an animal lover’s mind year-round, World Stray Animals Day provides an excellent opportunity to create more outreaches in your area so the community can get on board. April 4th is always observed as World Stray Animals Day. This is the perfect time to reflect on the homeless pet problem in the United States and beyond, especially since April is also Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
What Is a Stray Animal?
It’s important to know the difference between a stray and a feral animal. A stray animal depended on human interaction at one point in their life, but is now lost or abandoned. They may have been adopted as a kitten or puppy, but then released into the streets to fend for themselves, or they may have been startled into accidentally running away from home.
For example, more pets run away during July 4th weekend in the United States than any other time of year because they’re scared of the loud noises coming from the fireworks and festivities 2. These stray animals may be brought into the shelter but aren’t likely to find their homes again unless they’re wearing an ID tag or are microchipped.
A feral animal, on the contrary, lives on the streets but has never been around humans. They are more adapted to the wild and may not appreciate human companionship even if it was offered. Local animal organizations and shelters still take compassion for these animals and may offer them food or put them in Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) programs to reduce their numbers over time. However, adoption into homes may or may not be a possibility depending on their personality.
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How to Celebrate World Stray Animals Day
World Stray Animals Day is the perfect time to raise awareness of how we treat animals who don’t have homes, whether they’re stray or feral. While we don’t want to see any animals without homes, stray animals are more at risk than feral creatures because they weren’t raised to be independent. Stray animals are thoroughly domesticated and need our help to be reunited with their families, or to find new ones who can care for them.
We’re not expecting to change the world on April 4th, but it’s important to remember that world change starts at the individual level. Here are some practical ways you can care for the stray animals in your community on April 4th and beyond:
1. Set up feeding times for animals outside your home.
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You don’t necessarily want to set out a bowl of food unattended for hours because it can draw pests and predators depending on where you live. However, if you’ve noticed that your home is a popular hangout spot for stray cats and dogs, you might consider setting food out at regular times, so they know your home is a safe place. This is a great way to help your neighbors recover lost pets. Since they’ll come to your door for food, you can catch them and call the number on their collar or take them to the shelter to see if they’re microchipped.
2. Create a safe haven for strays or feral animals who frequent your yard.
Winter and summer are seasons of life or death for animals on the street. If you’ve seen stray or feral cats scurrying around your barn or resting under your car, you might consider laying out blankets on your porch or providing outdoor nesting boxes for them. If you live in a cold climate, remember to check underneath your car for cats that may nestle in the engine to get warm before starting your car.
3. Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue.
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Many stray animals have been abused. By spending time with neglected or abused strays, you can help them regain their trust in humans, which may make their adoption process go much faster.
4. Adopt a stray animal.
If you have the time and room in your budget, adopting a dog or cat is the ideal way to commemorate World Stray Animals Day. Adoption gives a stray animal hope that they can find a loving home again.
5. Organize a fundraiser for or donate to a local shelter.
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Anything from raking leaves to baking cakes can earn money which you can then donate to a local animal wellness organization. This selfless idea is a great way to show your love and support, even if you don’t have the means to adopt a pet.
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: Here’s The Calendar Run-Down
World Stray Animals Day is one of several dates you’ll want to mark on your calendar during Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Some other animal activism days in April include:
Conclusion
World Stray Animals Day is a good time to invite the community to “paws” and protect the stray pets who may have lost their way and consider feral animals who’ve never had a home. Only so much can happen on April 4th, but it can be a great way to facilitate conversations and spark change year-round.
Featured Image Credit: Rami Happonen, Shutterstock
