The large stray dog population in Bakersfield is multifaceted and has various negative impacts on the community. With the 2023 Capital Campaign here are some points to consider:
Animal Welfare:
Stray dogs are often malnourished, injured, or sick. Furthermore, they suffer from neglect, abuse, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Finally, without proper care, this will lead to short and painful lives.
Public Health:
Stray dogs can carry parasites and diseases such as rabies, tapeworms, and fleas that can be transmitted to humans. Moreover, they also pose a physical threat to people by attacking or biting them, especially children.
Financial Burden:
The cost of sheltering, feeding, and caring for stray dog’s falls on taxpayers. Municipalities must allocate resources to handle the issue, which can strain already tight budgets. Finally, Rescue Communities must make up the gap, which is a financial burden especially when they are at the mercy of donor’s.
Environmental Impact:
Stray dogs can damage natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems. Furthermore they can also harm livestock and wildlife.
Healthy Community:
An overpopulation of stray dogs not only effects the dogs themselves but also the community around them. We love all of these dogs, much like you do, and also understand that the sheer number of strays can expose residents to excessive barking, digging, and defecating in public places. Our goal is to help the dogs first, but also to ensure our region doesn’t continue to lose tourism, businesses or property values.
The Stray dog problem in Bakersfield is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach.
Solving a difficult problem like the crisis we are facing in Bakersfield today requires a complex and multifaceted approach. Our 3-prong solution includes 3 main areas for attention. With our 2023 capital campaign these areas include a comprehensive and long-term spay and neuter program, building a sanctuary, and providing educational resources to the community.
Spay & Neuter
We are making plans for a brick and mortar Low-Cost Clinic that will be accessible to the strays we take in!
One way to reduce the number of stray dogs in Bakersfield is to offer low cost Spay and Neuter.
By doing this, we can prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray dogs and animals in shelters. With your help, we can establish a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and make a difference for these dogs.
Sanctuary
We have an opportunity to rehab a 20 acre sanctuary!
A sanctuary for stray dogs is a crucial need for this community. Stray dogs face many dangers on the streets of Bakersfield, including injury, disease, and starvation.
A sanctuary can provide a safe and secure environment for these dogs to recover and receive the care they need to transition into their forever homes.
Education
Kern County has invited us to create a program to educate the community. In an effort to create awareness we have been on the local news and placed Billboards in high traffic areas.
Education is vital to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership to reduce stray dogs in the community.
Being educated also gives the community the tools necessary to address the political changes that need to be made regarding animal welfare.
One of the most critical needs for our team are partners with the ability to help house Bakersfield Strays dogs upon being picked up. Firstly, we have limited space and ability to hold them for long periods of time and our expertise is more generally suited for partnerships with larger private adoption agencies that can become a liaison between us and the forever homes of the dogs. Secondly, we do have a process for becoming a partner that ensures they are going to remain happy and healthy in loving homes. Thirdly, if you are interested in helping us overcome this crisis and you have the ability to facilitate the adoption process n our behalf, please apply to become one of our valued partners. Finally, can find the steps to doing so at the link below.
Fill out the form and we will notify you with news and updates about our continued work in the Bakersfield community.
