Our collective memory of the mass killing of dogs and several hundred other stray animals left to fend for themselves in Sochi, Russia, will continue to fade each passing day from the closing ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games unless more is done to protect “man’s best friend” – both at home and abroad.
Animal lovers across the world were shocked to hear of the actions of government representatives in Sochi, who reportedly made the decision to “catch and dispose” of the dogs. Described as “biological trash” by those hired to exterminate them, life for innocent street dogs in Sochi is literally a game of Russian roulette.
Animal advocates, including many of our very own Olympians, have responded swiftly. Several athletes have sought to adopt these wayward dogs and bring them home, working desperately to save as many animals as possible – before it’s too late.
American Humane Association continues to work behind the scenes with animal lovers and philanthropists to encourage and facilitate the adoption and transport of the dogs, identifying Russian shelters with dogs in need, licensed veterinarians in Sochi who can assist with the necessary medical approvals for the dogs to travel, a U.S. shelter for quarantine and licensed veterinarians to assist with care in the U.S., shelters in the U.S. that can house the dogs as they await adoption, and funders willing to assist with financial costs.
However, while the attention to innocent dogs more than 5,000 miles away in Sochi has helped to expose their plight, here in the United States, animals are continuing to die every day as a result of pet neglect and abandonment.
Approximately 6 to 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year – many through no fault of their own.
Oftentimes, dogs and cats entering shelters are pets without any identifying information, so only about 20 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats are reunited with their owners.
Once these animals are at a shelter, we need more Americans to help them find lasting, loving homes. It has been estimated that 3 to 4 million animals are euthanized each year in our nation’s shelters.
Following are some small steps that can add up to big benefits for the animals in our communities:
- All pets should wear an ID tag that includes the owner’s contact information.
- Keep licenses current as they help shelters locate pet owners.
- Get pets microchipped to help ensure that they stay up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Spaying and neutering your pets will help combat overpopulation.
Animal lovers looking to save innocent dogs and cats need to look no further than their own local animal shelters. You don’t need to win a gold medal to make a difference for a dog in need. A heart of gold will do plenty.
America’s shelters, humane societies and SPCAs can always use more help, especially donations, volunteers, and adopters. Our pets rely on us for their protection – so please, be a responsible pet owner and remember to adopt when considering your next pet companion.
American Humane Association is the country’s first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. For more about its work, visit americanhumane.org.
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