Every October 17 is celebrated as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty to raise awareness that it is another form of violence affecting the just and harmonious development of people, violating fundamental human rights such as education, food, work and the harmonious formation of life.
The commitment is to eradicate poverty and ensure compliance with international standards.
Just as there are people who suffer daily because of poverty, there are millions of stray furry friends who are also part of this pain, homeless, without a family where they are never sure if people want to feed and caress them or harm them.
In general terms, the problem of street dogs has to do with socioeconomic and cultural factors that originate from insufficient citizen education and deficient legislation on the subject.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Society for Animal Protection (WSPA) have stated since the 90s that the only way to curb the overpopulation of street dogs is to sterilize, educate society about responsible ownership, and identify animals.
How do we help furry friends on the street?
If we have had pets, or long to have one, it's common to want to help dogs and/or cats that don't have a family to care for them. And although it's a very kind act with good intentions, it's not always easy to know what to do. How can you help them?
- Temporary home or definitive adoption:
Giving them a warm home is the best thing we can do for them, but we must do it consciously and responsibly.
If you want to care for a furry friend until a definitive home is found for them so that they are not on the street in the meantime, your home must also have the necessary conditions for them to feel comfortable, calm, fearless, and with proper nutrition.
If you are going to adopt them definitively, even more so, all aspects that this entails must be considered: deworming, feeding, hygiene, veterinary visits, vaccinations, sterilization, among others.
- Contribute to foundations
There are thousands of foundations that we can help with money, supplies, food, water, and transportation of furry friends. This is a beautiful way to help those who can spend more time rescuing and caring for these beautiful animals that are left on the streets.
Another excellent way is to support their events and/or raffles held for unexpected operations and accidents.
Contact one of these shelters and ask them what kind of help they need right now. A furry friend (or even several) will thank you.
@traslahuella.limache @fundacion.meowmeow @fundacion.huellasunidas
@fundacion.nuevaoportunidad
- Sterilize them
The main cause of so many furry friends on the street is overpopulation due to uncontrolled animal reproduction. By sterilizing your furry friend, you will contribute to reducing this major problem, preventing many puppies from ending up on the street.
You can approach your local municipality to inquire about sterilization campaigns at a low or even free cost. Some foundations also promote these campaigns.
- Care for them and report animal abuse
If you know a furry friend who is constantly in the same place, and the community or business feeds and cares for them daily, you could help by taking them to the vet, making sure they are hydrated and eating well. Also, if you are on the street, highway, or near your home and you see someone mistreating a furry friend, report it immediately.
How to report? You can call the police (133), go directly to the police station or the Environmental Crime Investigation Brigade, or file a complaint in the national courts of justice.
What do you need?
a. truthful narration with all the necessary information about the mistreatment (date, day, time, place, names of witnesses, etc.)
- details of the perpetrator of the mistreatment (full name, address)
- photographs or videos of the incident as evidence.
- evaluation or diagnosis from a veterinarian informing about the furry friend's condition and if their injuries are consistent with the incident. Additionally, it must inform about the proper prognosis, evolution, and treatment.
Once the complaint is filed with the prosecutor's office, it is assigned a number called Unique Case Roll (RUC). With this number, the complainant can follow up on the complaint. In addition, the complainant will be called by the prosecutor's office or BIDEMA to testify, which will be recorded in a read and signed act – in conformity – by the complainant.
These steps will help a furry friend (or several) change their fragile situation and be able to have food, hydration, and a dignified home full of love.