De La Salle University - Dasmariñas

College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

Ethics

An Ethical Approach to Wandering and Stray Souls: Addressing the Issue

Globally and Locally

Submitted by:

Penaranda, Patriece Janiele R.

Submitted to:

Jumel G. Estranero (Sir Stranger)

C.Y.S.

ARC 22
 I. Introduction
Stray animals have been a long-term problem. Wherever we are around the world, stray
animals can be seen in our peripheral vision. We see them on roads, near dumpsters, and
in various other places. For these animals, any part of their surroundings may serve as
their shelter. Any food found on the ground is their only source of survival. They
prioritize survival over cleanliness, focusing on waking up the next day.

There are many reasons why animals become labeled as strays. Common causes include
abandonment by previous owners who lack the capability to care for them. However,
there are even sadder reasons, such as those seen here in the Philippines. There is a
significant preference gap between stray animals and purebred animals. Many Filipinos
favor famous breeds, such as Shih Tzus or other small breed dogs, because they enhance
their owner's image. The term "aspin" (short for "asong Pinoy," or Filipino street dog)
often leads to a bias against these animals, even though they are just as capable,
intelligent, and wise as any other dogs. Despite their qualities, strays are a massive issue
both locally and globally. Different ethical problems and issues contribute to the growing
population of stray animals, many of whom deserve a home. Despite the significant
qualities and potential of stray animals, widespread abandonment, societal biases
favoring purebred animals, and inadequate resources for animal welfare contribute to the
growing global population of strays, highlighting an urgent need for ethical solutions and
increased public awareness.

II. Body
The number of stray animals has been increasing daily, exposing them to many scenarios
and places they’re seen. According to PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Center), there
were twelve million stray cats and dogs in 2019, specifically located in urban areas such
as the city. One particular region is Batangas, where complaints have increased, as have
the number of on-road accidents. On a global scale, statistics conducted by the World
Health Organization have noted that there are over 200 million stray animals, with a
notable increase in stray cats worldwide. Furthermore, India is considered to have the
world’s largest population of stray animals, with 62 million stray dogs, leading to a
significant death toll from rabies.

These stray animals' lives are hard, with many daily challenges: for example, it is a
struggle to find food, water, and shelter, and they are usually without any medical care.
They are also deprived of the love and companionship they need to thrive. Therefore,
each day is a struggle to survive. Stray dogs and cats generally have high mortality rates,
especially puppies and kittens (VIER PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige
Privatstiftung, n.d.). The sufferings of both poverty and stray animals are equally severe,
with daily challenges of accessing shelter, food, and clean water. However, the major
difference between these two troublesome problems is that stray animals do not have a
place for love and comfort. They survive even without food, but they always yearn for
love from humanity.

Community-owned dogs and cats are typically cared for by community members but
wander freely without specific owners. While they are generally accepted as part of the
community, not everyone tolerates or likes them. Sadly, when these animals become sick
or injured, they lack access to the necessary medical care due to limited resources in
many communities. Sterilization programmes are vital for community animals (and
free-roaming pets) as they interact with stray populations and contribute to the
overpopulation of unwanted animals. Understanding and addressing the complex
connection between community animals and strays is crucial in any population
management programme. (VIER PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige Privatstiftung,
n.d.-c)

Animals are often abandoned by the people they depend on to care for them. For
example, two dogs were found huddled together near a river in Tottenham Marshes,
London, after apparently being dumped there. Both of them were extremely thin, and one
of them, who was elderly, could barely walk. Another dog was found tethered to a fence
in Bramley, Leeds, on New Year’s Day, having apparently been left there overnight in
freezing temperatures while fireworks were being set off nearby. The dog was so terrified
that he was shaking and had wet himself (Animal Homelessness | Animals Are Not Ours
to Abuse | PETA UK, 2022). In addition to this article, the main ethical problems of stray
animals are domestic abuse and abandonment. No one can truly determine why previous
owners abandoned these poor dogs and cats, but social media helps to expose hurtful
reasons. There are situations where owners admire the cuteness and joy of animals when
they are infants, and as they grow and become a discontent to the owners, they are simply
abandoned elsewhere. There are other problems such as the financial burden. Dogs and
cats require financial support, as they need medical maintenance to avoid long-term
illnesses, which can be costly. Veterinary clinics are quite expensive, not to mention the
cost of major and minor surgeries.

The harshest reason for animals becoming strays is experiencing abuse and harm from
previous owners. There are approximately 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats
in the U.S., where 20 men and women are assaulted per minute (an average of around 10
million a year). In one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse,
researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88% of the families under supervision
for physical abuse of their children (Animal Cruelty Facts and Stats, n.d.). Therefore,
stray animals tend to run away from negative experiences and seek peace on their own.
When captured or taken care of by concerned citizens, they display signs of fear and
aggression as they want to avoid reliving past traumas.

III. Analysis

The ethical problem with stray animals is that humanity has often viewed these animals
as just "animals" and fails to recognize the great benefits of having a furry companion in
our homes. Historically, dogs were valued for protecting residences from robbery due to
their acute hearing and sense of danger. Similarly, cats are natural hunters and can help
control pests such as mice and insects in the house. Their presence can deter rodents and
other unwanted pests from entering the home. Thus, the concept of companionship and
reciprocated love has been lacking. Many people believe that animals do not think like
humans, but scientists have proven that stray animals possess wisdom and intelligence,
exhibiting exceptional and great talents.

In recent decades, many stray animals have been rescued and acknowledged. NGOs that
support stray animals on the streets, governmental support in building rehabilitation and
rehoming centers, and the implementation of rules and regulations regarding the safety
and care of stray animals have all contributed to this progress. Millions of stray animals
in Southeast Asia suffer every day, living a poor life on the streets. Battling serious
diseases and malnourishment, these animals are also in danger of the horrific dog and cat
meat trade. In cooperation with different partners, FOUR PAWS works on tackling the
immense stray overpopulation and helps animals in need. Behind every rescued animal,
there is a touching story. Having gone through hell, all these dogs and cats got the chance
to heal and now experience what it means to live a safe life under loving care (VIER
PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige Privatstiftung, n.d.-a).

There are successful adoption stories shared by many civilians, where many stray animals
are being rescued and rehomed. For example, a TikTok post featured a dog named Mary,
who had been in an adoption center her entire life, staying for almost eight years without
being adopted. She saw many customers pass by her day after day. Until one lucky day,
she was adopted by a young man and began an adventurous journey with him. Mary
displayed the widest smile she ever had. Although she may have fewer years to live,
those remaining years will be bright and happy.

Another great story shared by a family living in South Carolina, Ohio. ‘’We made the
journey in two cars, with two kids and two cats. After only a few days, I took my five
year old daughter for a “look see” drive to a nearby state park. We drove through it to see
a beautiful stable and horses, a large, still lake and a gnarled old woman. “Did Y’all lose
a little brown dog?” she drawled. My daughter and I looked at each other and were
instantly intrigued. The dog was more yellow than brown, had fleas and a bad case of
mange. It was wrapped up in a tight circle on the floor of the woman’s station wagon.
The woman claimed she rescued the dog from some kids who had been hitting it with a
stick. He looked more like a baby deer than a dog. Our hearts melted over the story and
his pitiful appearance. We knew that our home would easily hold at least one more. We
took him home, fed him, bathed him, and named him Pork Chop. In return, he allowed
our family to continue loving him for the next 19 years. Miss you still, Chop.’’, this was
posted in the blog entitled Animal Rescue Stories authored by the organization of The
Animal Rescue Site.

IV. Conclusion

In conclusion, stray animals have always longed for a home. Just like humans, they
experience a mix of emotions such as jealousy, anger, depression, and anxiety. They feel
guilty seeing other dogs on a leash with their owners while they lack the companionship
they desire. However, with social media continuing to aid stray animals by exposing them
to rehoming and rescuing efforts, many animal organizations have become responsive
and active, rescuing these stray animals as much as possible. As the government
continues to support building more shelters, ensuring the needs of the stray animal
population are met to avoid more hurtful situations. But most importantly, citizens play a
huge role in the situation of stray animals by redefining the meaning of responsibility and
improving the treatment of pets. After all, these stray animals are no different from
purebred animals such as Chihuahuas, Corgis, Persian cats, Siberian cats, and other
famous breeds. They all share common traits, think like a dog/cat, bark or meow the
same, and exhibit amazing and unique talents.
 V. Recommendation

In terms of recommendation of this research, this can be improved further with a more
detailed and statistical approach in relevance to stray animals, comparing from the
previous recent years up until now. It can also add up to more details in expressing about
rehoming, how it can be further acknowledged in a more specific approach. Not only that
but to acknowledge more accessible online sources such as blogs that advocate stray
animals especially with previous research papers on both quantitative and qualitative
approaches.

VI. Message to the professor

Dear Sir Stranger,

I have enjoyed the ethics class. My first impression before was that ethics was about
debating and argument, whether one action is considered moral or immoral. However,
with you being our instructor breaks the stigma. Honestly, I do get irritated when there
are times you initiate the deadline suddenly on short notice (throwback the time you set
the deadline surprisingly early from the Ethical Negotiation assessment). But still I did
enjoy them, you are one of the unique with a very optimistic mind I’ve met.
References

VIER PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige Privatstiftung. (n.d.-c). Stray Animals:

Pets without a home. FOUR PAWS International - Animal Welfare Organisation.
https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/help-for-stray-animals/stray-animals-
pets-without-a-home

VIER PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige Privatstiftung. (n.d.-a). Rescue of stray

animals in Southeast Asia. FOUR PAWS International - Animal Welfare Organisation.
https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/rescues-success-stories/rescue-of-stray-animals-in-
southeast-asia

Animal cruelty facts and stats. (n.d.-b). The Humane Society of the United States.
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VIER PFOTEN International – gemeinnützige Privatstiftung. (n.d.-d). The harmful

consequences caused by pet abandonment. FOUR PAWS International - Animal Welfare
Organisation.
https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/the-harmful-consequences-cau
sed-by-pet-abandonment

OIPA. (2024, May 20). STRAY ANIMALS ARE NEGLECTED AND ABUSED IN
MANY COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD. SUPPORT OUR PROJECT AND HELP US
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STRAY ANIMALS: A STUDY ABOUT THE IMPACT OF STRAY ANIMALS ON

THE SAFETY OF STREET RIDERS AND CYCLISTS IN BATANGAS CITY. (n.d.).
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Animal Homelessness | Animals are not ours to abuse | PETA UK. (2022b, July 14).
PETA UK. https://www.peta.org.uk/issues/animals-not-abuse/homelessness/

Pet statistics. (n.d.). ASPCA.

https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

The Animal Rescue Site | Click to Feed Rescue animals. (n.d.). The Animal Rescue Site.
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