The epidemic of stray dogs, cats, and other animals roaming the countryside has reached alarming numbers in this summer heat. Webster Parish, like many rural areas, struggles with limited resources and lack of shelters to manage the homeless population.
The lack of access to affordable spay/neuter services contributes to unchecked breeding, escalating the numbers of unwanted litters and abandonment. Economic hardship leads to pet owners abandoning their animals or failing to provide proper food, water, shelter and vet care. Dogs left outside without monthly heartworm preventative are almost always heartworm positive, and also highly susceptible to other health problems such as the tick-borne illness ehrlichia.
LaMa Animal Rescue is working hard to take in as many as they can, but the numbers of requests daily are far beyond their capacity. All of their foster homes are full, along with the three boarding facilities where they pay to house the dogs and cats. Not only has the number of strays increased, but also the number of owner surrenders and owner requests for help with food and vetting. In one week, LaMa had over 50 requests for assistance, with 120 dogs and cats currently in their care.
To date this year, LaMa has transported 470 dogs and 34 cats to their northern partners for adoption. They have taken in and vetted more than 600 dogs and cats. Each of these comes with a hefty financial burden.
The work that LaMa does is all volunteer, and solely funded by private donations, social media funds, and local fundraisers. LaMa is in the process of building a shelter to house these unwanted animals, with the goal of also facilitating access to low cost spay/neuter.
The homeless pet epidemic in Webster Parish requires the immediate attention and collective action of the community, and local government officials and leaders to advocate for funding and resources to address the problems. By understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions from those who are working to eradicate the homelessness, we can advocate for increased funding to alleviate the suffering of these innocent animals and create a more compassionate community.
Let’s join forces to make a difference and provide a second chance for those who need it most- our furry friends.