Stop, save animals
Whitney Stout
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Opinion
Detroit's over-population of stray dogs and cats has been a problem for residents for years.
The inability to restrain, locate and properly place animals in good homes has been a serious and devastating concern.
Packs of wild dogs roam the streets looking for food, water and shelter. These cold months pose a dire threat to mistreated animals left outside in frigid temperatures.
Many people turn a blind eye to the stray dog or cat crossing the road in front of them.
For those of us good Samaritans who can't look away, there are things you can do to become a part of the solution. If you are driving in your car and frequently encounter strays, be prepared.
According to The Humane Society, you should keep the phone number of the local animal control in your car in case you need assistance. In Detroit, it's (313) 224-7128.
Also, have a cat carrier or cardboard box, collars and strong leashes for dogs, a heavy blanket, water bowls, strong smelling foods such as canned tuna or dried liver and an animal first aid kit. In my kit, I have also included thick work gloves to protect myself from dog bites or scratches.
Always use caution when approaching an animal.
If the animal seems very aggressive and scared, call animal control immediately. You cannot help the animal if you get injured.
Use caution when approaching the animal. Talk in a small and calming voice and try to entice the animal to come to you with tuna or dried liver treats. If you can, lure the animal into your car, close the door and call Animal Control. Only do this if you are certain someone can come get the animal right away. It is generally not a good idea to attempt to drive somewhere with a strange animal unrestrained in your car.
If you can tie the leash to the seatbelt in the backseat or place the animal in the trunk, you may be able to drive safely with the animal restrained. If you are able to transport the animal, take it to the nearest animal shelter: near the campus, that would be the Detroit Humane Society, 7401 Chrysler Drive.
Know that by saving this animal, you have helped get it off the streets and away from a life of cruelty, fear, pain and possible starvation or death.
One by one, if we all open our eyes and become a part of the solution, maybe someday there won't be a problem.
Whitney Stout is a staff writer for The Varsity News.
The inability to restrain, locate and properly place animals in good homes has been a serious and devastating concern.
Packs of wild dogs roam the streets looking for food, water and shelter. These cold months pose a dire threat to mistreated animals left outside in frigid temperatures.
Many people turn a blind eye to the stray dog or cat crossing the road in front of them.
For those of us good Samaritans who can't look away, there are things you can do to become a part of the solution. If you are driving in your car and frequently encounter strays, be prepared.
According to The Humane Society, you should keep the phone number of the local animal control in your car in case you need assistance. In Detroit, it's (313) 224-7128.
Also, have a cat carrier or cardboard box, collars and strong leashes for dogs, a heavy blanket, water bowls, strong smelling foods such as canned tuna or dried liver and an animal first aid kit. In my kit, I have also included thick work gloves to protect myself from dog bites or scratches.
Always use caution when approaching an animal.
If the animal seems very aggressive and scared, call animal control immediately. You cannot help the animal if you get injured.
Use caution when approaching the animal. Talk in a small and calming voice and try to entice the animal to come to you with tuna or dried liver treats. If you can, lure the animal into your car, close the door and call Animal Control. Only do this if you are certain someone can come get the animal right away. It is generally not a good idea to attempt to drive somewhere with a strange animal unrestrained in your car.
If you can tie the leash to the seatbelt in the backseat or place the animal in the trunk, you may be able to drive safely with the animal restrained. If you are able to transport the animal, take it to the nearest animal shelter: near the campus, that would be the Detroit Humane Society, 7401 Chrysler Drive.
Know that by saving this animal, you have helped get it off the streets and away from a life of cruelty, fear, pain and possible starvation or death.
One by one, if we all open our eyes and become a part of the solution, maybe someday there won't be a problem.
Whitney Stout is a staff writer for The Varsity News.
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