Tackling animal homelessness as a social problem

Abstract

In terms of the welfare of both human and animal populations, in Western countries animal homelessness is a serious social challenge. Increasing emphasis is placed on controlling the size of the population of animals, particularly stray and feral ones. Three methods of reducing homelessness are most often indicated: education of animal owners, spaying/ neutering animals, and their permanent identification. In Poland the prevention of animal homelessness is a responsibility of the local municipalities. Although legislation allows municipalities to promote spaying/ neutering animals that have owners, there are not many municipalities which decide to dedicate a budget for such activities. This is evaluated negatively by the highest Polish authorities and controlling institutions. In this text we present empirical research on introducing programs that encourage the owners of animals to conduct spaying/castrating procedures. We also identify reasons why municipalities are not willing to designate resources for this purpose.