Why is dog abandonment bad for dogs?

Answer 1

People might believe that an unwanted dog is able to fend for itself if abandoned in a forest, field, suburban area or city park, but this is rarely the case. It is far more likely that the dog will be killed by coyotes, struck by a car or taken to a shelter, where it will probably be euthanized. All these scenarios cause emotional and physical suffering for the animal.

In some cases, feral dogs can form packs, but they are usually rounded up and impounded, then killed. Such dogs can be dangerous to human and pets, because they have not bonded with people and are focused on their own survival.

When a canine bonds with its owner, it is a lifetime committment on the part of the dog. Being abandoned is extremely stressful to the animal, which doesn't understand the separation; it will try to track down its master, often putting itself in harm's way in the process.

It is an act of cruelty to abandon a pet, and it is punishable by law in all states.