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Abandoned Dogs: Victims, not Villains

Updated: Aug 2


abandoned dogs, dogs, stray dogs
Gentle Pilot Pup Buttercup had a painful, maggot-filled wound on her face when she was rescued by 600MillionDogs.

Let's be clear: the vast majority of stray dogs are harmless and friendly, and they are all innocent victims of their situation in life. But dog attacks that make news, like the ones below, can cause the public to demonize stray dogs, often leading to horrifying incidents of intentional cruelty towards them.

 

In the U.S., aggressive packs of dogs are very rare – compared to many other parts of the world. However, in Riverside County, California, the threat of free-roaming dogs is unfortunately real. 

 

Last year, loose dogs reportedly killed over 300 sheep and goats in Anza, Riverside County. According to SFGate.com, "Authorities and animal rescue centers say the animals likely come from the numerous illegal marijuana farms in the region, which reportedly bring in big dogs like German and Belgian shepherds, to protect their operations and then abandon them when growing season ends." [1]


As a result of the attacks, a Facebook post in a local Riverside County community "advocated for shooting the animals if they roam onto residents' land." [1]

 

Animal control officer Harvey Beck also found several suburban and urban animals dumped in the remote area of Riverside County – identified through their microchips. [2]

 

“Unfortunately, it takes only a few bad actors — and a couple of breeding seasons — for problems to get out of control again” [2]

 

In one particularly brutal event in 2018, “...a woman was killed by a pack of canines in broad daylight.” -Los Angeles Times. The man responsible for these dogs — who was already wanted for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property — was arrested. [3] Not surprisingly, the three dogs were put to death. [4]


This terrible situation needs a solution. However, stray dogs should not be blamed for their tragic circumstances.



Stray dogs are desperate – hungry, scared, and just trying to survive. Humans created this devastating situation, and dogs are forced to pay the price. 

 

It’s clear that a solution is needed to protect dogs, and also protect our communities from harm. 







Stray overpopulation is the biggest crisis facing dogs and cats around the world. Hundreds of millions of strays are born into a world where they will suffer, starve, or be victims of intentional cruelty. 

 

Our mission is to end the number 1 cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats -- overpopulation -- by developing a permanent-lasting birth control cookie that will only need to be eaten one time, and it will in effect spay or neuter -- without surgery.

 

We receive no help from pharmaceutical companies, government grants, pet food corporations, or other large organizations.

 

Our work is entirely supported by individual donations. It's the generosity of concerned individuals like you that makes our mission possible.


We're committed to solving this worldwide issue, and every contribution, no matter the size, is important. No donation is too small to make a difference.



Thanks for caring about animals!


 

rescue dog, pilot pup, stray dog
Rescued Pilot Pup Buttercup, safe and happy after receiving love and care.

 

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