What Is The Profile Of An Abandoned Dog?

Dogs are the world’s favorite pets. There are many people who adopt a dog as a pet making it part of the family, an extra member. However, although love flourishes on the surface and despite numerous good intentions, the numbers of abandonment (as well as those of abuse) continue to be high. For this reason, we want to describe the profile of an abandoned dog.  

The profile of an abandoned dog is more or less standardized.  In most cases, they are medium or large and mixed breed specimens.

Italy, without official figures of the number of abandoned dogs

There is no official figure on the number of abandoned pets.

By law, abandoning (as well as mistreating in any way) an animal is punished with arrest for up to one year or with a fine of between 1,000 and 10,000 euros, based on the seriousness of the crime committed.

The only data available belong to the annual study carried out by the International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) Italy Onlus, from which it emerges that: 

• 150,000 pets are abandoned every year in Italy.
• 8o% of dogs die after twenty days of abandonment.
• 35.6% of dropouts occur in the summer.

What are the fate of these dogs?

• Only 45% of these animals find a new home.
• 16% is returned to the original owners.
• 12% remain in kennels and shelters.
• 7% is suppressed.

Some specialists argue that these figures are partial and believe that the true number of animals abandoned each year exceeds 320,000 .

What is the profile of those who abandon a dog?

More important than profiling an abandoned dog, it would be a priority to identify humans who abandon their pet. The same study by OIPA Italia Onlus gives us some ideas in this regard. In fact, a ranking has been presented with the most common causes for which owners decide to give up their animals :

• Unwanted puppies: 15%
• Behavior Problems: 13%
• End of the hunting season: 13%
• Economic factors: 12%
• Change of domicile: 9%
• Loss of any interest in the animal: 8%

It is equally important to point out that only 66% of dogs estranged from their family are abandoned to their fate in the middle of the street. 34% of these animals are transferred to public or private shelters. Finally, of the latter figure, only 30% is returned to its old masters.

Dogs to be stylish

Unfortunately, a large percentage of people who decide to take a dog into their home do so only to follow a trend. In the middle of the selfie era , continually posing with a purebred animal has become a matter of status.   

Another frequent problem concerns people who ignore the vital needs of each specimen  (nutrition and specific care, physical activity, etc.).

For this reason, there are several organizations in Italy and around the world that work to ensure that animals are no longer seen as inanimate objects. Many people, in fact, think they can keep them for a while and then discard them as if nothing had happened.

On the opposite side, however, it must be emphasized that a large part of the population has become aware of the role of pets in the family. Finally, we must not forget to promote respect for these living beings.

Summer: the fateful season for animals

Almost 40% of dog and cat abandonment occurs during the summer holidays. Determining the causes does not require great imagination: for many families taking the pet on vacation is uncomfortable and limiting.

Not all facilities, in fact, allow animals in addition to those supporting people with physical disabilities. Furthermore, paying an extra toll on air travel is a luxury that not everyone can afford.

Another factor to consider is that the average price of temporary stays for dogs in a special center is around 15 euros per day. This cost, based on the time that will be spent outside the home, can be considered a difficult expense to bear.

Education and conscience

Unfortunately, the works and initiatives to reduce the number of abandoned dogs are far from reaching the set goals. However, it is progressing little by little.

Education is part of the solution. From an early age, children must be trained to respect all beings around them, including pets, as equals.  

The little ones must be fully aware of the fact that adopting a dog is not a secondary responsibility : they are animals to whom they guarantee care and nutrition, as well as devote time and love.