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RATIONALE and Definition of Term

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RATIONALE and Definition of Term

Uploaded by

macarilayjaspher
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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RATIONALE

It's commonly thought that most Caribbean islands have significant populations of feral and
stray cats and dogs. However, in my experience, the issue is not so much the presence of true
stray animals, but rather owned pets that are allowed to roam freely. Statistics from animal
control agencies often show a sharp decline in the number of stray dogs rescued, followed by a
leveling off where numbers remain constant. I believe this happens because many so-called
"stray" dogs are actually pets that roam. When these animals are captured and either returned,
adopted, or euthanized, they are often replaced by new animals that are also allowed to
wander freely.

Stray and roaming dogs and cats often carry diseases, some of which can be transmitted to
humans (zoonotic diseases). Rabies and leptospirosis are well-known examples, but other
diseases like cutaneous larval migrans ("beach worms") and tick fever can also pose health
risks. In addition, stray animals can spread parasites and highly contagious diseases like canine
distemper and feline AIDS, which can affect both pets and humans.

Tourism plays a major role in the economies of Caribbean countries. The presence of stray
animals, especially in tourist areas like beaches and roadsides, can create a negative image,
potentially deterring visitors. Dog attacks on tourists and the spread of diseases further harm a
country's reputation. Additionally, there are direct costs associated with animal control and the
healthcare burden from diseases and injuries caused by stray animals.

Stray cats, in particular, can disrupt local ecosystems. As opportunistic predators, they hunt
small birds, mammals, and reptiles, which can have a significant impact on wildlife. While some
argue that feral cats help control certain predators or weak species, their presence still disrupts
the natural ecological balance, as they are not a native species in these environments.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Stray: An animal, typically a dog or cat, that does not have a home or owner and is living or
wandering freely in public spaces.

Program: A planned series of actions or initiatives designed to achieve specific goals, such as
managing stray animals, improving their welfare, or ensuring community safety.

EXPLANATION OF RATIONALE
The issue isn't just about stray animals, but about pets that are allowed to wander freely.
These roaming pets can spread diseases, cause problems for tourists, and harm the
environment by hunting small animals like birds. This situation affects public health, damages
the economy (especially tourism), and disrupts the local ecosystem.

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