Over 200 million dogs and even more cats live as stray animals around the globe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Many of them suffer from the hardships of life on the streets, face brutal killings, or are confined in overcrowded shelters. Global animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS strongly condemns the killing and mass sheltering of stray animals. These inhumane, costly, and ineffective methods cause tremendous suffering.
In the wake of World Stray Animal Day on April 4th, FOUR PAWS advocates for the use of the CNVR (Catch – Neuter – Vaccinate – Return) approach to sustainably and humanely manage stray populations and to provide much-needed help globally. In 2024, FOUR PAWS provided veterinary help to more than 30,000 dogs and cats in ten countries, including neutering, rabies vaccinations, and other medical treatments.
“It is so sad to see how strays are locked away in overcrowded shelters and wait for a home that never comes. Cruel killings and mass sheltering are just shifting the problem of stray populations instead of solving it. Instead, we must push for more CNVR support across the world. By vaccinating and neutering cats and dogs, we not only help them maintain overall better health and control their populations sustainably and humanely, but we also support local communities,” said Manuela Rowlings, Head of Stray Animal Care Europe & Community Engagement at FOUR PAWS.
To help stray animals in need, FOUR PAWS, together with local partners, conducts free neutering campaigns and supports authorities, communities, and shelters with expertise.
FOUR PAWS urges authorities around the world to support local CNVR campaigns to sustainably and humanely manage their local stray populations. The CNVR approach is a compassionate method aimed at addressing the issue of stray animals while benefiting communities. In addition, it provides a humane and sustainable solution for controlling stray populations. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Catch: Specially trained experts gently catch stray cats and dogs, minimizing stress, and transport them to clinics for treatment.
Neuter: This crucial step involves sterilizing the animals. Neutering is not only a solution to curb reproduction but also offers health benefits. Females avoid life-threatening uterine infections, while males experience reduced reproductive hormones, leading to less aggression.
Vaccinate: By vaccinating strays, diseases like rabies are kept at bay, safeguarding both the animals and human communities.
Return: Once the animals have recovered, they are returned to their original locations. To indicate that an animal has been treated, dogs receive ear tags and cats have their ears tipped or tattooed.
A heartwarming example of CNVR’s impact is the story of Tropcho, a stray dog from Bulgaria. Tropcho’s life took a drastic turn when he was hit by a car as a young puppy. However, thanks to the rapid response and care from the FOUR PAWS team, his life was saved. Initially, his injuries left him unable to walk or maintain his balance, but with dedicated care for over a year, Tropcho made a remarkable recovery.
Today, Tropcho is a lively and curious dog with a new lease on life, even finding a loving home. His story exemplifies the profound impact of compassionate intervention on individual lives. It also emphasizes the importance of CNVR initiatives in making a difference for stray animals globally.
Support for CNVR campaigns can lead to healthier, safer communities by ensuring that stray populations are managed humanely and effectively. By curbing the issues associated with stray animals, authorities can help create harmonious living environments for both people and animals alike.
FOUR PAWS is a global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, revealing suffering, rescuing animals in need, and protecting them. Founded in 1988 in Vienna by Heli Dungler and friends, the organization advocates for a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy, and understanding. FOUR PAWS’ sustainable campaigns and projects focus on companion animals, including stray dogs and cats, farm animals, and wild animals—such as bears, big cats, and orangutans—kept in inappropriate conditions, as well as in disaster and conflict zones.
With offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam, as well as sanctuaries for rescued animals in eleven countries, FOUR PAWS provides rapid help and long-term solutions.
Please support FOUR PAWS in their global mission to rescue and protect animals in need by making a donation HERE!
