What Can Happen When Pets Are Abandoned or Lost?

A domesticated animal is very different from a wild one. It does not know how to fend for itself. It might barely know how to feed itself. If abandoned, it is vulnerable to countless dangers:

* It may be attacked by predators or territorial animals of its own species. Even if it does not die from an attack, the resulting wounds may slowly infect and kill it.
* It may be abused by cruel people.
* It may wander onto the roads and be hit by a vehicle.
* It may die of heatstroke.
* It may die from thirst or starvation.
* It may suffer the pain of disease, infections, or injury.
* It will be bewildered, disorientated, and unable to defend itself.

If you can no longer care for a pet, never abandon it. Try to have it rehomed. If that fails, take it to the SPCA or a veterinarian to have it put down. Some people may think it extreme to put a pet to sleep if it can't find a new home, but seeing animals suffering severe illness, a quick and humane death is infinitely preferable to a long-drawn-out one.