Though abandoned pets roam the streets of Detroit, claims of 50,000 stray animals are exaggerated, according to a new study. But the city's residents need to learn to be more responsible pet owners, according to the animal welfare group that counted the city's strays.
On Monday, the World Animal Awareness Society released preliminary findings from the research they started collecting in 2011. There are fewer than 3,000 loose dogs in the city on any given day, according to the animal welfare organization's report, and they believe the number will be closer to 1,000 strays when their data is further refined.
That number stands in stark contrast to the figure of 50,000 stray dogs that has been suggested by Detroit Dog Rescue and others. Additionally, WAAS found fewer than 10 packs of three or more dogs that could be considered feral or wild -- that is, not allowing human interaction on the streets on a given day.
The problem is still severe, according to WAAS Executive Director Tom McPhee.
"The problems that are experienced by dogs and people in the city of Detroit have not changed or diminished because the number of loose dogs is more defined," McPhee states in the report. "Although there are not tens of thousands of loose dogs on the streets of Detroit, the abuse, bites, surrenders, fighting, breeding, neglect, and over-crowded shelters leading to high euthanization rates indicate substantial problems on a large scale."
They believe that on the whole, Detroiters do not take good care of their pets, which McPhee said stems both from lack of education about pet ownership and the city's larger economic issues.
"People are literally leaving their dwellings and leaving their stuff and their animals behind," he said. "I would have to say it would be considered epidemic proportions, and I think that's directly tied to people's economic situation."
Though he sympathizes with individuals facing those situations, many local organizations that will assist pet owners or take in their pets. The problem is, he said, people don't always know that help is available.
"We've determined that the number one issue that is facing the animals, the pets in the city of Detroit, and the owners, is the fact that education needs to be key, that this community does not have, does not possess, doesn't work with, knowledge of how to be good guardians on all different levels," he said in a recorded press conference Monday.
Last year, World Animals Awareness Society examined the issue of dog fighting in the city:
The organization is addressing that lack of education, beginning with young people. They are teaming up with teachers to create lesson plans for Detroit fifth graders to learn pet guardianship skills.
Numerous other groups in the city work to help pets and pet owners. One group specifically seeks to educate pet owners who keep their dogs chained up outside. Some provide food and low-cost vet care to owners who struggle to provide for their animals.
Jen Clarkson, president of volunteer organization Dog Aide, earlier told The Huffington Post that she also believes education is key. More and more people have called them for help.
"It's a great step, people actually knowing assistance is out there and reaching for it ... Our mission is to assist families in the city however we can to help them hold onto their pets," she said. "I'm hoping we raise awareness for the stray dogs in the city. ... They've become ghosts, kind of."
The WAAS researchers divided the 140-square-mile city into 42 regions of similar size and assigned 50 random points within those regions. Last fall, trained volunteers were assigned 23 of the regions, where they observed and collected data at the 1,150 points that was used for the preliminary report.
According to Michigan Radio, the final report will be released in September. The Detroit survey will be used as the model for dog counts in other cities.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.