Week 6, Day 1

Describe:

 Animal overpopulation is the same thing as the overpopulation that we hear on the news... but with animals. There are certain countries that are over populated and because of that reason, there are restrictions on how many children a family can have. Why? Because it is unsafe, not equal, and damaging to have overpopulation in general. This same theory applies to animal overpopulation. Just like a country that is over populated with people, cities that are overpopulated with animals are serious in a similar manner. The online dictionary describes over population as "–verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing.to fill with an excessive number of people, straining available resources and facilities: Expanding industry has overpopulated the western suburbs." (www.dictionary.com). Animal over population is the same but with animals instead of humans. 

Interpret:

 Animal over population means that there are too many animals per square foot of space. It also means there are too many animals to assign to homes/feed/take care of. It could mean over population of animals in a shelter. The issue here is that they literally is not enough SPACE for the animals. Because of over population of animals in the shelter, animals have to be euthanized to make more space. Another example of animal over population of the animals that aren't in the shelter and are just wandering the streets. This is a direct result from households not spay and neutering their animals. This can cause an abundant number of cats and even dogs to be stray and unable to be cared for. This causes over population of animals that are homeless and lots end up being taken into animal shelters. 

Evaluate:

 I feel that our society does not take animal over population very seriously. I think people are aware to some degree when they see that stray cat walking through the parking lot but I think most don't think too far past that. There are plenty of people out there that have never stepped foot into an animal shelter let alone know the critical facts and numbers of the amounts of animals without homes. I think a lot of people are irresponsible pet owners and enjoy buying something cute without thinking about the responsibility. Many people don't see a reason to get their animal fixed and think nothing of it when their dog or cat get's out of the house. There are also the handful of people that breed their animals and have no idea what kind of homes they are letting the offspring go to. This can lead to owners who purchase and don't take care of the animal then that dog gets put into a shelter. No one should even be breeding dogs when there are so many animals that are even more loyal/loving that need homes that are currently in the shelters. I think the animal shelters are outreaching to the public by having events. The Durham animal shelter has an event on Saturdays where people can come in and  adopt two cats for the price of one. They also have events where they have the animals that need to be adopted and then pet owners that have adopted from the shelter all get together and have a sort of "parade" or "festival" type deal. The point of this is to be able to have the animals available to meet and greet to the public. They even have a "meet your match" type of deal where people can come in and find a animal that fits their personalities. Every time I go to the shelter they are promoting an animal on the bulletin board which also helps. Overall I think it is successful but could be more successful. I think that more outside marketing and awareness with commercials, posters, radio, etc can really help. I think even going to schools to educate will be helpful