Working with strays: a humane alternative

An estimated 75% of the world’s dog population are strays.  Managing them presents a problem in many countries, and has serious implications for public health and animal welfare.

Lack of animal welfare education and resources mean the methods used to limit stray populations are often horrifically inhumane – poisoning, shooting and electrocution are all common.

But killing street dogs randomly is not effective, because it does not address the cause of the problem.

Without resources for treatment and education about responsible pet ownership, the roaming dog population will keep growing.

A better way

WSPA’s work has shown that a humane and comprehensive approach – taking into account animal welfare and human responsibility – can be effective in managing stray populations.

Sustainable population management strategies include:

• Education about pet care.
• Legislation, which is then enforced.
• Identification and registration of pets.
• The neutering stray and owned animals.
• Vaccination.

Working worldwide

WSPA has worked with member societies across the world on stray management, taking account of local needs and cultural sensitivities. This work improves the health and welfare of strays and their human neighbours.

WSPA’s comprehensive programmes act as models of best practice. They help us convince governments to legislate for humane methods of stray management. Read more about how this approach has worked in Qatar >>

Humane programmes in practice

Your support has assisted the WSPA to work with member societies on many effective and humane stray control projects, including:

• Animal birth control and rabies vaccination projects in India and Nepal.  
• Providing equipment and training to some of the first humane stray control programmes in the Middle East.
• Delivering training to local authorities in Brazil and Colombia on responsible pet ownership and the humane catching and handling of dogs.
• Providing equipment and training for mobile clinics.

Please make a donation today to support WSPA’s work with animals around the world.