Consider These Points Before Picking Up A Stray
Soft-hearted pet lovers fall for the nuzzling, cuddling softness of fur very easily. The gentle whining and cooing can melt a pet lover’s heart faster than anything in the world. Pets are always there for you, always ready and willing to love you when no-one else seems to care. While you may be driven to pick up every stray you see in the neighborhood, you should consider the consequences for your family and pets first.
Remember that some stray animals may have been abandoned by their owners, and have suffered neglect and abuse. These stray animals may have run away and got lost, but many of them have been neglected, abused and abandoned by their owners. This can give the animal a deep seated fear of humans, and make them very aggressive. 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. As much as it may break your heart, bringing a stray into your home is not the most sensible thing to do in this situation.
Rabies is one disease that a stray may bring into your home. A virus that is transmitted by bites from animals, it can be fatal for humans as well as animals if not treated soon after the bite has been received. The symptoms of rabies may take a while to show up, but as the infection takes hold, animals become more aggressive. The treatment for rabies is a long and painful series of injections – not something you or your children would willingly undertake.
How to Handle a Stray Animal
If you feel compelled to help, there are other ways to help a stray animal without endangering yourself or your family. Check to see if the dog has a collar. It may have a tag with the contact information of the owner. They may also have a microchip embedded but a veterinarian or animal shelter would have to make that determination. Beware, doctors offices and shelters may charge a fee that you will have to pay.
Another thing you can do is to put up flyers around town. Take a photo of the animal to help with identification and describe the color, size, and breed on the flyer. Ask local businesses to post it in their shop windows.
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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