Amy McVaugh, 2.24.13, Images for Critique

This week I chose to highlight some of the issues often faced when pets are "dumped" in areas when no longer wanted by their human owners. At times, the owners ease their own conscious with the false belief they are being kinder to an unwanted animal by "setting them free". Even though these people may thinks they have good intentions, it is important to realize a pet is  a domesticated animal which means they have become dependent on humans for at least their basic care.

My first photo was taken in an area of Chesterfield that is known for the frequent dumping of animals. As you will notice, the only water available is in the tire. Many domestic animals are unintentionally poisoned each year by consuming tainted water out of desperation. Death by poison is very painful for the victim. The same goes with food. If an animal is domesticated, they lack adequate hunting skills and will seek out trash along with the rats commonly found in these areas. Both produce starvation due to lack of food and a higher risk of intestinal parasites leading to disease. Many of these diseases become zoonotic, meaning they can be passed on to humans.

The second photo is of a dog found on the streets. She is skin and bones, but oh so sweet. I had spent some time closely interacting with her prior to this picture being taken. She was very shy at first, but when I passed by her cage she made a whimper, shoved her paw out and reached for me. I held her paw for quite a while and pray she finds a great home. Dogs are very social animals and can suffer greatly when abandoned, abused or mistreated. Just like most humans, they crave love and acceptance.

My third picture was taken at a low cost spayneuter clinic. The cat on the table is most likely the result of someone dumping it. As a volunteer holds off the vein, the technician draws blood to run a FIV/FIP test. If the cat tests positive, it will be left to the discretion of whoever trapped it to decide if the animal is to be euthanized or not. This particular cat was a very sad case. The hair on it was so long and matted, it wasn't until it was shaved for surgical prep that it's gender was known. When fur mats due to neglect, and sits against the skin for long periods of time, the animals skin begins to break down and develop sores. In the hot months, it is not uncommon to find live, matted animals infested with maggots due to the animals inability to clean itself properly secondary to the mats.