Like many challenges facing communities, combating animal homelessness does not have a simple, one-step solution. Across the world, animal homelessness is a rampant problem, one that requires community buy-in and collaborative organizational efforts to eradicate. The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County is aware of the urgent needs facing families, dogs and cats in our community, and we’re developing and expanding our programming to tackle this problem head-on. Why is reducing animal homelessness important? We believe that working to reduce animal homelessness is an ethical thing to do – not just for animals, but for the communities we call home. Reducing animal homelessness directly impacts human well-being for several reasons. Homeless animals are more likely to carry diseases – which can infect domesticated animals and sometimes humans. Homeless animals are also more likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviors toward people and other animals, and are more likely to cause automobile or other accidents. Simply put, reducing animal homelessness reduces public health risks. Additionally, reducing animal homelessness limits the number of animals that end up in shelter environments. While the Humane Society is...
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