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Abandoning a pet is never a harmless decision. It is a serious act with severe consequences for the animal, the owner, and the wider community. While some people may think leaving a pet outside or “setting it free” is kinder than surrendering it to a shelter, the truth is that abandonment almost always leads to suffering, and sometimes death. It’s important that we all understand the harm caused by pet abandonment, its impact on society, the legal consequences, and why it should never be an option.
Singapore
Globally
These are different actions. Abandonment is when an owner leaves a pet without care or supervision, often on the streets or in public spaces, leaving the animal to fend for itself. This is illegal in many countries and can cause severe suffering or death. Surrender, on the other hand, is when an owner responsibly gives up a pet to a shelter, rescue group, or another safe and approved home. While surrender should be a last resort, it ensures the animal remains in a safe environment and has a chance at rehoming, rather than being left in danger.
Across studies and reports, several key themes emerge:
When a pet is abandoned, it instantly loses the safety, shelter, and care it once had. Domestic animals are not equipped to survive on their own, especially in urban environments.
1. Physical Suffering and Low Survival Rate
Abandoned pets are very different from feral animals. While feral animals are born and raised without human care, abandoned pets have lived with people and relied on us for food, shelter, and safety. When these pets are left to fend for themselves, they are often confused, frightened, and unequipped to survive on their own. Unlike feral animals, they lack the skills to find reliable food, protect themselves from danger, or cope with extreme weather. This sudden loss of care puts abandoned pets at high risk of injury, disease, starvation, and death. Many abandoned pets, especially very young ones who are not weaned do not survive.
2. Psychological Trauma
A pet that has known human companionship will feel deep confusion, distress, and fear when suddenly left alone. Studies show animals exhibit grief-like responses including withdrawal, loss of appetite, disrupted sleep, and depression-like behaviour. Many develop lasting behavioural problems such as aggression, anxiety, or extreme fearfulness, making them harder to rehome even if rescued.
3. Overpopulation
If the abandoned pet is unneutered, it can breed with other strays, adding to the stray animal population. This leads to more suffering, more disease spread, and increased pressure on already crowded animal shelters.
Animal shelters and rescue groups often end up dealing with the consequences of abandonment.
1. Overburdened Shelters
When pets are abandoned, many are eventually caught and brought to shelters. But most shelters operate at or beyond capacity. Overcrowding can mean less space, less attention for each animal, and, in some heartbreaking cases, euthanasia due to lack of resources.
2. Financial Burden
Caring for abandoned pets is expensive. Shelters rely heavily on donations and volunteers. The more abandoned animals there are, the more resources they need for food, medical care, and rehabilitation. This can stretch their budgets to breaking point.
Pet abandonment is not only a problem for the animal. It affects the entire community.
1. Public Health & Safety Risks
Stray animals can spread diseases and parasites, posing public health risks. They may also be more susceptible to injury or illness due to their vulnerability.They may also cause traffic accidents by wandering into roads or injure people if they feel threatened and bite.
2. Ecological Damage
Feral cats and dogs can prey on native wildlife, upsetting the ecological balance. They compete for resources with other animals and can spread diseases to wild populations.
3. Introduction of Invasive Species
In some cases, abandoned exotic pets, like certain reptiles, birds, or even small mammals, can become invasive if they survive in the wild. These species can outcompete native wildlife for food and habitat, potentially leading to the decline or even extinction of local species.
Many people do not realise that abandoning a pet is a crime in many countries. In Singapore, for example:
Courts can also issue disqualification orders, banning offenders from owning pets for a set period.
Neglect, such as failing to provide proper care or not trying to recover a lost pet, is also a criminal offence with similar penalties.
Internationally, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom treat pet abandonment as an act of cruelty, with offenders prosecuted and penalised accordingly.
Abandoning a pet can have lasting emotional effects on the owner and their family.
Guilt and Shame: Some owners experience deep regret after abandoning a pet, especially if they later learn of its suffering.
Impact on Children: If children witness abandonment, it can cause confusion, sadness, and loss of trust, and can send harmful messages about responsibility and compassion.
Fear and Anxiety
Many abandoned dogs are wary of humans due to past neglect or mistreatment. They may cower, tremble, or hide when approached, and some may be reactive to strangers or loud noises. Some may panic when left alone, barking, howling, or destroying items. Give the dog time and space to adjust. Avoid forcing interaction. Let the dog come to you. Use gentle, positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys) to build trust.
Start with short absences and gradually increase the time apart. Leave interactive toys like treat-dispensing puzzles or even lick mats to keep them engaged. Licking can be a calming, self-soothing mechanism for dogs. Practice “calm departures” and “calm arrivals” so leaving and returning home feels normal. In severe cases, consider working with a qualified dog behaviourist to create a tailored socialisation plan.
House-Training Issues
Some abandoned dogs have never been house-trained or may have lost the habit due to stress. You’ll need to re-establish a consistent feeding and toilet schedule. Take the dog out frequently, especially after meals and naps. Use a potty training spray to encourage the dog to urinate at the preferred designated areas. Praise and reward them immediately after they toilet in the correct spot. Avoid punishment as accidents are often the result of confusion, not defiance.
Health Problems
Abandoned dogs may have untreated medical issues such as skin conditions, parasites, dental disease, or malnutrition. Take your dog for a full veterinary check-up as soon as possible. Follow your vet’s recommendations for vaccinations, deworming, diet, and ongoing care. Keep records of all treatments for future reference.
Lack of Basic Training
Some abandoned dogs have never learned basic commands or leash manners, making daily walks and safety harder to manage. Ensure you get a properly fitted dog collar, and a no-pull harness & leash for better control during walks. Begin with short, positive training sessions using treats and praise. Focus on essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
Food Guarding or Resource Aggression
Dogs who have gone hungry may guard food, toys, or sleeping spots. Feed in a calm, quiet environment. Avoid taking food away suddenly. If you need help, talk to a vet or a dog trainer to help curb the behaviour.
Difficulty Socialising with Other Pets
An abandoned dog may not know how to interact safely with other dogs or cats, especially if they’ve had negative past experiences. Introduce them slowly and in neutral territory. Use leashes for control, reward calm behaviour, and supervise all early interactions. Go at the dog’s pace. Rushing can cause setbacks!
If you can no longer care for a pet, here are humane options:
Rehome Responsibly
Find a trusted new owner through your personal network or verified adoption channels. Always screen potential new owners to ensure they are committed and capable of caring for the pet long term.
Contact Animal Welfare Groups
Many organisations can assist with temporary fostering, and rehoming. Some include:
Work with a Trainer or Vet
For behavioural issues, professional help can often resolve the problem.
Seek Financial Assistance
Some charities offer subsidies for pet food or medical care. The SPCA's Community Animal Clinic offers subsidized veterinary services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and microchipping to low income families with pets.
Neuter/Spay Your Pets
Prevent accidental litters that can add to the stray population.
Abandoning a pet is never the right choice. It causes physical and emotional harm to the animal, strains shelters and communities, and can lead to serious legal trouble for the owner. Domestic animals depend on us for their well-being. When we take them in, we accept the responsibility to care for them for life. If you’re struggling to keep your pet, reach out for help. There are always better options than leaving them to suffer alone. A pet is for life, not just for when it’s convenient. Owning one is a commitment, and breaking that commitment through abandonment is both cruel and, in many places, criminal.
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