Friday July 4, 2008, 8:49 pm
Some people don’t think of dogs as pets. They see them as vermin to be slaughtered.
In some countries, dog control officers armed with shotguns randomly shoot animals in the crowded streets of the city. They're allowed one cartridge per dog. If not killed instantly, dogs are thrown into an open-top truck and left to slowly die. Others, yelping in pain and fatally wounded, stagger off into the darkness to endure their final agony. All for no reason, because this incredibly cruel method of 'dog control' is totally ineffective against the problem.

Of course, stray dogs can be found in many communities. Around the world, there's an estimated 400 million stray dogs which represents an animal welfare crisis on a huge scale. Millions of underfed and untreated dogs roaming the streets pose a health risk to each other as well as to humans.

For stray dogs, life can be short and incredibly difficult. They have to compete with others, desperately scavenging for what little food there is. Living by their wits on the streets, they're constantly at risk of becoming infected with fatal diseases like rabies. And there's always the threat of being shot or painfully wounded.

A combination of factors is causing a worldwide surge in stray dog numbers.
War, famine, poor sanitation and poverty all combine to create a huge global crisis. Countries in political and financial crisis may simply lack the knowledge, resources and finances to bring about long-term change. Often, the knee-jerk response to this out-of-control breeding has been the random slaughter of animals. Many communities believe the only way they can stop the ever-increasing cycle is by shooting, drowning, hanging or electrocuting stray dogs. But this is not a solution at all.

WSPA has a holistic approach to reducing the number of stray dogs.
On the street and in many rural communities, WSPA is providing practical solutions. To help prevent the cycle of uncontrolled breeding before it can start, we're training vets to neuter young dogs. This specific training is needed because vets are usually only taught how to neuter dogs that have reached breeding age, and because there are added complications with younger dogs.

One of the best ways WSPA can get help where it's needed is through the use of our mobile clinics that we buy and fit out with the necessary equipment and medical supplies. These enable vets to visit rural communities where proper care for dogs would not otherwise be available.

Over the longer term, WSPA is helping reduce stray dog populations by educating people about responsible dog ownership. We're making sure owners know about sterilising and caring for their animals. So that people won't abandon dogs, we're encouraging them to register their pets and we're getting governments to help through compulsory registration. WSPA is also helping enforce animal welfare legislation so people will treat pets humanely.

Please help stop the cruel slaughter of millions of dogs.
Right now, the situation for far too many dogs is absolutely desperate. That's why we need additional resources urgently. By donating $25 a month to WSPA you can become a member of WSPA Animal Rescue and help save stray dogs and other animals from cruelty.

Giving each month is important because it takes time, money and persistence to lobby governments to achieve legislation that outlaws the cruelty of animals. It helps build and establish sanctuaries to rehabilitate the animals you help rescue, change attitudes to animal welfare through education of children and communities. What's more, we need your support to help answer urgent calls for acts of such cruelty around the world.


As a member of WSPA Animal Rescue, you will receive regular updates throughout the year on how your vital donations are improving the lives of animals around the world.

Because you love animals, you can help free dogs from a life of suffering on the street. By joining WSPA Animals Rescue or making an urgent donation today, you can also help ensure dogs aren't slaughtered like vermin.

On behalf of the animals, thank you.

Friday July 4, 2008, 8:49 pm
Done Bea.

Friday July 4, 2008, 9:07 pm
Signed and noted with thanks Bea.

Sunday July 6, 2008, 10:21 pm
Q. What are WSPA doing to help stray dogs in Thailand, where their own head office is?
A. Nothing. "Not a priority" quote by one of their staff.

Monday July 7, 2008, 11:27 am
Your signature number is 44.