The number of homeless dogs has long been a problem in the United States, but in recent years the crisis has worsened. Often animal shelters have not been able to accept more dogs because there is no room. At the same time, volunteers from various organizations receive calls more often from people who have found starved and frozen dogs.
According to Chantal Rzewnicki, one of the reasons is that dog owners can no longer afford to take care of their pets.
– It may be due to more expensive dog food or other things that you need when you have a dog. But also the lack of neutering, dogs keep multiplying and then the dogs end up on the streets of Detroit, she says.
Several reasons for more dogs on the streets
Theresa Sumpter, who runs the rescue organization Detroit Pit Crew and the animal hospital Apaws Veterinary Hospital, shares that image.
– We work in a very poor city. Many people do not have access to transport, they do not have enough money to take care of their dogs. Sometimes they move around and can become homeless themselves. That is why many dogs end up on the streets, she says.
Over three million dogs cared for in 2023
According to the organization Shelter Animals Count, 3.2 million dogs were taken into the care of animal shelters or rescue organizations in 2023. In 2024, preliminary figures have shown that fewer animals will find a new owner.
Theresa Sumpter says that there are laws in place to protect the animals, but that US authorities do not always ensure that they are followed.
– There are things that need to be discussed with those in charge regarding how we should take better care of our animals, she says.
“They just let them go”
The animal hospital she founded in Detroit was financed entirely with private funds. Many dogs are cared for there after their owners have abandoned them on the streets.
– It happens every day in Detroit. They are no longer able to take care of the dog or it was small when they got it and then it has grown too big, says Theresa Sumpter and continues:
– They just let them go.
“Must create trust”
When TV4 Nyheterna visits a park on the outskirts of Detroit, which is a well-known dumping ground, two dirty and frozen dogs appear on the side of the road.
Chantal Rzewnicki and her colleague Melanie Thomas try for a long time to lure the dogs into their van – without success.
– They probably have to be caught with a trap. If we don’t come here every day and try to build a trust and it could probably take two weeks. It is very sad, says Melanie Thomas.