How Numerous are Stray Dogs in Detroit?
Ferocious Chihuahua. Photo credit: Renee Silverman on Flickr
It has been widely circulated (Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, U.K. Daily Mail, the Washington Times, and Yahoo news) that as many as 50,000 stray dogs roam the streets of Detroit. Indeed, I posted about the stray dog problem in Detroit last August in the post Vicious Chihuahuas Attack Detroit in which Detroit postal workers were repeatedly bitten by a pack of small dogs while trying to deliver mail.
However, the number of stray dogs may be lower than estimated in those reports–much lower. Preliminary data from fall 2013 of the World Animal Awareness Society’s American Strays Project estimates the actual number of stray dogs in Detroit to be closer to 3,000.
While the number of stray dogs and dog packs in Detroit have been disputed, I have not found a source contradicting the existence of a ferocious pack of small dogs. A mail carrier, Catherine Guzik, was quoted by a Bloomberg story as saying the following: “It’s like Chihuahuaville,”
It’s like Chihuahuaville
Catherine Guzik, Detroit Mail Carrier
As I wrote in an earlier blog post, the bite from even a small dog is no laughing matter. Read Vicious Chihuahuas Attack Detroit for details.
American Strays Project Preliminary Data Release Regarding Loose Dogs on Detroit Streets
This You Tube video describes the World Animal Awareness Society’s preliminary data about Detroit dogs.
How Can You Help?
Volunteers Are Needed for the American Strays Project
Visit the American Strays Project Website. Here is some key information from that site:
There are four components to the AMERICAN STRAYS PROJECT
- Outreach
- Canine Survey
- Toolbox
- World Awareness
Be Aware. Donate. Adopt.
You can also help dogs in your local area. Raise awareness, donate, or adopt today.
