The Animal Welfare Act has been in force in Norway for a long time. Despite this, since 2009 we have observed an increasing trend in homelessness statistics. What is the reason for this? Is that why the problem of homelessness is becoming more and more widespread? We will talk about this in the article below. We will also listen to the opinions of experts and activists pro-animal organizations in Norway.
Homeless animals in Norway - what do the numbers say?
In 2009, the animal protection organization Dyrebeskyttelsen had as many as 3.641 abandoned animals under its protective wings. In 2017 this number increased dramatically to 7.415, and in 2018 to 8.048. Usually cats are abandoned - but dogs are also a problem.
Pro-animal organizations: "we are doing our best!"
Organizations dealing with animal homelessness assure that they are doing everything they can, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. IN Norway exists 27 regional Dyrebeskyttelsen branches. Unfortunately, they are unable to help all abandoned and lost animals. We give the floor to the veterinarian – Åshild Roaldset:
“So far, our local departments report that they have been flooded with homeless animals. They tell us that they are struggling to keep their heads above water and are unable to help everyone in need. In practice, abandoned animals have no legal protection. When the owner cannot be identified, the animal is effectively not protected. This was probably not the intention of Parliament when we got the Animal Welfare Act in 2010. Mandatory identification is a simple and obvious solution. Identification marking is a one-time cost for pet owners and is a simple procedure that can be performed in all veterinary clinics. It's time for animals to get better legal assistance.”
Identification is needed!
Organization activists are fighting primarily for the mandatory identification of the animal. Defenseless cats and dogs are abandoned everywhere: in forests, in parks, parking lots, outside the cities. Without locating the owner, pro animal organizations have their hands tied and cannot do anything. The awareness of the caregivers themselves must also change. What is needed is to limit the pointless reproduction of animals, which only widens the scale of homelessness - castration and sterilization are needed. One should also sensitize a person to the fact that adoption brings with it responsibility for the other living being.
