Lost & not found

Payal Sodhi

Losing a pet to death is a painful reality, but a pet getting lost is an extremely sad and yet avoidable situation. So, I would like to conclude my Responsible Love series with one of the most painful situations a pet could go through because of our irresponsibility.

Animals never lose their way, as they have an amazing sense of smell and direction. Their internal compass is awesome. You must have heard a million stories of how some pets find their way back home. So what actually happens?

Many pets are taken away by their families and left far away. It is most inhumane as they have been domesticated, and finding food and water is very challenging for them. Also, nearly all pets have a very bad sense of traffic. So what happens to such pets- most of them get hit by fast moving vehicles and die a painful death. If they are young and of a good breed, then they get picked up by some people. They chain them up immediately, knowing that given an opportunity, the pet will run away.

So, if for any reason you need to give your pet away, contact the nearest animal welfare organization or put a post somewhere- you will find a new family and that should be your responsibility.

During the mating season, which is twice a year, many pets get lost, specially the males as they go around chasing females on heat. Simple solution – get your pet neutered/or then make sure that he is in the house under strict watch as he will do anything to run away. In case they do run away, they generally do not come back home for at least ten days. So, keep the gates locked, take him properly on a leash for walks as they tug a lot during these days. If you still end up losing them, please do not give up on them. Immediately start a search and register a police complaint with a photograph at the concerned police station. Check all the neighbourhood houses that have females.

There is so much happening all the time on social media- put your pet’s picture on it, go to the nearest animal shelters, check with your local municipal corporation and most importantly check where there is food- dustbins, eating shops as well as cool places- under the cars, near the public taps and also unconstructed houses.

Remember they are miserable without you. Get them home soon- never waste time. Many people are looking for lost pets. They take them away for breeding.

Keep them safe at home.

(Sodhi is an animal rights activist)