When people are unable to take care of their pets, there are appropriate ways to deal with the problem.
Goose, an orange and white tabby cat who is about a year old, was abandoned at an animal shelter last year. He is incredibly friendly and, having clearly been cared for by humans before being abandoned, quickly finds a new family and lives happily ever after. Not so lucky with too many animals.
Metro Vancouver is one of the most expensive places in the world. The impact of this economic reality on pets may not immediately occur to some people, but it is significant.
Unexpected veterinary bills, or even just regular monthly expenses like food, grooming, and related care, can force people to make impossible choices. Sometimes people choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment. Of course, things change. Through no fault of our own, humans may find it impossible to provide for their companion animals. In these situations, it is appropriate to surrender the animal to a responsible animal rescue organization.
“Unfortunately, we have seen animals abandoned in the most dangerous ways,” says Eyal Lichtman, CEO of the Regional Animal Protection Society. “Recently, a cat was rescued from a park in Richmond after it had been chained to a pole and preyed upon by dogs and wildlife. A surprising number of animals show up on our property and are left alone overnight. , which is also in a very dangerous situation.”
Housing costs make up the largest proportion of most household expenses, and not being able to afford housing has a trickle-down effect on all other financial considerations.
“The big pieces of the puzzle are not quick fixes,” Lichtman acknowledged. “However, ideas such as increasing the availability of pet-friendly housing, more affordable and subsidized veterinary care, and making veterinary care tax deductible could help ease the burden. .”
When people are unable to take care of their pets, there are appropriate ways to deal with the problem. But it shouldn't be left to families alone, Lichtman said.
“There are some basic things that governments, businesses and landlords can do to help,” Lichtman said. “Local and state governments may make it illegal to discriminate against family members, including pets. Some progressive rental housing companies, such as Kevington Building, have pet-friendly policies. there is.”
What some homeowners don't understand is that animals form communities within residential buildings, which reduces crime and makes everyone's life better, she said. Bringing in animals reduces sales revenue, which landlords dislike. Statistics show that households with pets move less frequently than households without pets.
Companion animals are an important factor in people's health, and people who own pets are healthier than those who don't. That means everyone benefits from caring for animals, he says.
“It's important to make sure the animals are treated with respect and given all the love and care they need,” Lichtman said. “But it's also about what kind of society we want to be. It depends on all of us advocating for good housing for humans and animals.”
