Left Behind: The Problem of Abandoned Pets (PHOTOS) Huffington Post | Lindsa

[Jenna Bluehut]

Left Behind: The Problem of Abandoned Pets (PHOTOS)

Huffington Post   |  Lindsay Armstrong First Posted: 02- 9-10 03:34 PM   |   Updated: 02-26-10 03:34 PM


Every year, irresponsible pet owners abandon animals that they no longer want. The reasons may be financial or practical, but either way, these innocent animals suffer. They may also cause harm. Abandoned animals overrun shelters and wreck havoc on non-native ecosystems. These nine fascinating stories of abandoned pets show why it is so important to always find unwanted pets a good home.



Over the past few years, several towns on Long Island have had problems with packs of feral beagles. The beagles are bought as hunting dogs, but abandoned by their owners if they don't catch enough rabbits. This year after hunting season, the Kent Animal shelter took in forty of the abandoned pups. While beagles are normally friendly dogs, they can become aggressive towards other animals and people due to cold and starvation.

[Jenna Bluehut]

As more and more people lose their homes due to foreclosure, animal care experts have seen a rise in the number of abandoned pets. Shelters are overpopulated with these animals and often have to euthanize otherwise healthy, tame cats and dogs. Less humane owners have even left their pets in abandoned homes, where they may die of starvation or severe dehydration.

[Jenna Bluehut]

California's animal shelters are over-run with chihuahuas. In some shelters, abandoned chihuahuas make up 30% of the dog population. Animal activists have dubbed this the "Paris Hilton Syndrome" and partly blame Hollywood for turning small dogs into disposable fashion accessories. In an innovative move, some shelters have started flying chihuahuas across country to NYC, where the demand for small dogs to adopt is very high.

[Jenna Bluehut]

The Veiled Chameleon is native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia and was illegally introduced to Hawaii through the exotic pet trade. Although the Veiled chameleon is a beautiful creature, environmentalists are concerned about the impact it is having on the Maui ecosystem. These lizards prey on native birds and insects and are able to reproduce at incredible rates.

[Jenna Bluehut]

The pit bull is a very misunderstood breed. Misconceptions on the part of owners and law makers have led to a major problem with abandoned pit bulls. Some owners adopt pit bulls because of their tough image, but abandon them when they realize the responsibilities and costs involved in caring for their pets. Several cities also have laws against owning pit bulls. Because of this, pet owners will abandon dogs rather than take them to shelters. These owners fear fines or legal punishment.

[Jenna Bluehut]

The lily pond in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park has been over-run by the African Clawed frog. While no one is quite sure how this invasive amphibian was introduced to the pond, officials suspect they were abandoned pets. African Clawed frogs reproduce rapidly and will eat just about anything. Their presence in the pond is threatening to push out all other life.

[Jenna Bluehut]

In towns near army bases, animal shelters have reported a large increase in abandoned animals whenever troops are deployed on military duty. After a 2005 deployment, one shelter near Georgia's Fort Stewart took in 321 abandoned pets and had to euthanize 119 of the animals. Several programs have been set up to help military personnel make foster arrangements for their pets. The military is also considering making animal abandonment an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

[Jenna Bluehut]

Feral green iguanas are quite common in many areas of Florida. This non-native species is a serious nuisance. They destroy plants and their feces can spread salmonella. Like many other invasive animals, the green iguana has most likely made it to Florida through the exotic pet trade.

[Jenna Bluehut]

Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida when irresponsible owners abandoned them in the wild. The Burmese python is now thriving and disrupting the delicate balance of the Everglades' ecosystem. The giant snakes, which can grow to be 200 pounds, have even been observed attacking the native Florida alligators.