LOWNDES Co. – While offering a treat from your left over meal to a stray dog or cat might seem like a simple act of kindness, the encounter may result in extending the animal’s status as a stray.

Summer moves due to school calendars, pets being left home unattended during vacations, and those without proper shelter seeking relief from the heat, are all factors contributing to the current increase in stray dogs and cats found in public areas around local businesses/restaurants.  Whether lost or abandoned, stray pets are usually afraid, may need medical attention, and are unlikely to trust those trying to help them.

Since strays are usually hungry, one person feeding them repeatedly can build the trust needed for the animal to be captured.  If the animal is randomly fed by numerous people, this bond cannot develop.  Attempts at trapping are also frequently unsuccessful due to stray pets being fed.  If they are not hungry, they are not going to be drawn to the food in the trap.

Currently, there are several locations throughout our community at which Lowndes County Animal Services or organized rescue groups are attempting to capture strays.  Citizens can assist in this effort by ignoring strays onsite and by reporting them to Lowndes County Animal Services, 229-671-2760, during normal business hours.  Please do not feed these animals; doing so reduces their chances of being captured and cared for, while increasing their chances of eventually starving, being poisoned, or run over by a vehicle.

Release from Lowndes County