Nearly 1.5 million sheltered animals in the United States are euthanized each year. To put that in perspective, that’s a third of Louisiana’s entire population left starving and subject to death row every school year. This epidemic is the result of pet overpopulation, which we can stop by educating ourselves on best practices for Louisiana animal rescue.
If you’d like to be a part of the solution, you need to know about pet overpopulation, animal shelters, and adoption practices. In this article, we’re going to break it all down so you can see where you fall in line. Grab a cup of coffee and get comfortable while we dig in!
Animals in the System – Q&A
What is pet overpopulation?
Pet overpopulation is an epidemic which results in daily euthanizations of abandoned and feral pets who’ve ended up in animal shelters. It’s a thoroughly documented problem, with an estimated tens of millions feral pets currently living in the United States. Organizations exist for the sole purpose of spreading awareness and providing assistance to help spay and neuter animals in order to reduce the cycle of stray animal reproduction.
Should I rescue a stray cat or dog?
Rescuing a stray is a big responsibility. If you decide to do so, you should consider whether or not you can provide care in a way that does not inadvertently contribute to further pet overpopulation.
Cats can have up to 5 litters per year, and dogs can have 3 to 4. On the streets, females are prone to an endless cycle of reproduction. Whatever you decide to do, consider whether or not your care of stray animals lends to the cycle.
Should I call animal control?
Many cities have an animal control department to help manage public pet and wildlife disturbances. Animal control workers’ duties include collecting stray animals, removing unwanted pests, and investigating reports of animals abuse. They can help you when:
- A stray feral dog is wreaking havoc on your property.
- Raccoons break into your shop overnight.
- You suspect dog fighting in your neighbors back yard.
When you’ve got serious pest issues you can’t handle on your own, you can sometimes ask around for specialists in your area who may be able to lend a hand. But if no help is available, they’re your answer.
What happens when animals are picked up?
Animals are kept at the pound until they are either released, claimed, or transfered to a shelter. Wild animals are released back into the wild or an appropriate setting. If they cannot be captured safely, they are terminated. Stray pets are usually kept at the pound for a short duration for claiming. If they aren’t claimed, they are sold or taken to a shelter.
What happens at animal shelters?
When animals arrive at shelters, they are put up for adoption. However, in many cases, they’re only allowed a certain length of stay. If you’re looking to rescue an animal, adoption is the way to go. On the streets, animals can at least fight to survive. In shelters, if they’re not sold or adopted before their holding period expires, they’re euthanized.
Are animal shelters evil?
Although they are heavily criticized, animal shelters are not adequately funded or equipped to handle animal overpopulation. This unfortunate reality made headlines in 2020 when some animal shelters had to euthanize animals in mass due to coronavirus-related budget problems.
All animal shelters in Louisiana are required by law to register with the Louisiana Animal Shelter Registry. This holds them to ethical standard and practices adopted by officials for the humane protection of animals. Euthenasia is a sanctioned part of the Louisiana animal rescue system, as space for homeless animals inside shelters is limited.
Even Louisiana SPCA, a New Orleans non-profit dedicated to protecting animals’ rights resorts to euthanization when they’re out of options. Shelters are the last line of defense for animals that are otherwise abandoned by society. The larger issue is pet overpopulation, which can be solved through education and proactive efforts by pet owners and enthusiasts.
What is a no-kill shelter?
Some shelters keep and care for animals until they’re adopted. “No-kill” shelters, such as 4-Paws Rescue, Inc. of Ruston, LA, have a reputation for providing quality housing and making sure animals are kept up to date on their shots and vaccinations. Adoption fees are usually higher, but you can’t put a price on friendship with man’s best friend.
Louisiana Animal Rescue Advice
What’s the best way to help stray animals? Should you feed them table scraps? Should you call the police? There’s no easy answer!
We aren’t the authority on Louisiana animal rescue, but we do have some suggestions and principles for you to consider. Overall, it’s important to choose courses of action that align with efforts to decrease pet overpopulation and unnecessary euthanizations.
Value pet ownership
You sometimes see people buy pets and give them away after just a few months. Many people love the idea of having a pet but don’t want the responsibilities that come along with pet ownership.
It’s important to realize adopting an animal is a financial and time commitment. You may have to pay for a vet visit or cancel plans with friends here and there. Recognize and value the responsibility of pet ownership and avoid adopting pets when you don’t have sufficient resources to care for them.
Avoid feeding strays*
As tempting as it may be, avoid feeding stray animals unless you plan to adopt them. Strays often have illnesses that leave them in pain on the day to day, and feeding them with no intention of getting them the help they need only prolongs their suffering.
Feeding stray animals seems innocent enough, but it’s another way people unknowingly contribute to the stray animal problem.
Consider taking stray animals to the vet for spaying or neutering if you’re looking to help out. If you’re aware of stray animals nearby that keep reproducing, spaying or neutering is a long-term solution worth more than kibbles and bits.
Start your own animal fund
Instead of feeding animals when they show up at your home, consider starting an animal fund that builds over time. Use the fund to spay or neuter stray cats and dogs you come across as a way to help cut down on animal overpopulation. Then, when you decide you’re ready to adopt them, use it to cover any initial vet expenses. Either way, starting an animal fund is a great way to contribute to Louisiana animal rescue that can have potentially long-lasting benefits.
Adopt from a shelter
Animals in shelters are on death row, making adoption from a shelter a true rescue. Most shelters charge an adoption fee, but this fee ensure pets go to good homes where they’re unlikely to end up back on the streets. The adoption process usually requires you to:
- Fill out an application for adoption.
- Schedule an interview with a shelter representative.
- Meet and greet with rescue animals.
- Pass the screening, sign paperwork, and pay an adoption fee.
- Return home with your new pet.
Seek outside support
We’re not the only ones who recognize pet overpopulation as a real issue. The Louisiana Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council (LPOAC) provides grants for non-profit organizations and veterinary hospitals looking for assistance.
Relevant Information
Key Organizations
Is animal advocacy your calling? Check out the following organizations if you’re interested in becoming more involved in Louisiana animal rescue efforts.
- Humane Society of Louisiana
- Louisiana SPCA
- Delta Humane Society of Louisiana
- Heart of Louisiana Humane Society
- 4 Paws Rescue, Inc.
Animal Control in Ruston, Louisiana
Ruston Animal Control assists the public with animal complaints and investigations. 4-Paws Rescue, INC is a small no-kill shelter for dogs located in Ruston. Outside of Lincoln Parish, the closest animal shelters are the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter in West Monroe and Humane Society Adoption Center in Monroe. Check in your area to see what animal control and rescue services might be available to you.
Reporting Animal Abuse
Cruelty to animals is punishable by law in Louisiana and could result in fines ranging from $5,000-$25,000 and/or 1-10 years of imprisonment. If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, you can fill out a report on the Humane Society of Louisiana webpage. Click here to visit Humane Society of Louisiana.
Final Thoughts
It’s important you understand how the system works and how you can help in Louisiana animal rescue efforts. Remember that adopting an animal from a shelter is a true rescue, as those animals are subject to euthanization later on down the line. Think of long-term solutions before you decide to feed strays and enable pet overpopulation. Spread the word, and hopefully we’ll save the lives of millions of pets who’re lost but not forgotten.