Taking Care of Hempstead's Animals
Nassau News Staff Writer
The declining value of the dollar and the rising costs in food and staples not only affect human care, but animals too. What happens to the furry members of the community when economic hardships hit? Long Island boasts 41 animal shelters who all work to answer this question.
Click on the embedded player below to view this article on video. Click here to view interview transcripts of the video.
Read the print version of this article below
“In this immediate area, dogs were disposable. If a dog ran away, it would be replaced. I saw lots of stray dogs, and no signs from people trying to find them. Now it’s beginning to get better but there are no dog parks, no socializing” said Wilma Louras, owner of Wilma’s Orphans, a dog rescue and adoption center run out of her home in Hempstead.
Increases in veterinarian technology, and pet allergies due to food are often leading causes of expenses for animals. Louras charges $250 per adoption, which includes grooming and veterinarian costs per dog. The number of adoptions and surrendered dogs fluctuate. One of Louras's largest frustrations is when a family does not go through with their end of the deal, either way. In mid-March 2008, Wilma's Orphans had 16 ready to be adopted dogs. On May 2, 2008, Louras reported that five dogs had been adopted but she had taken in two others.
Private animal care receives minimal federal support, with costs up to $2,000 per month or more depending on the number and needs of the animal.
In 2007, Dr. Laura Senk, director of the Long Island Cat Project, met with Nassau County officials to push legislation helping the TNR "trap, neuter, release" policy for treating feral cats in the community.
The Humane Society of the United States lists that the average veterinarian bill for a cat is $175 and $215 for a dog.The continuously declining economy leaves little hope for improving conditions within the next few months for middle and low class families to afford an additional mouth to feed.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Nassau and Suffolk counties often refers calls about feral cats to the cat project website.
Keep in mind a few ideas when struggling with the idea of surrendering a pet or adopting a pet based on a tight budget:
- Look at the first five ingredients of pet food to know what you are feeding your pet and watch for preservatives that are used by many companies.
- Watch for food that includes chicken and beef, from which dogs often have allergic reactions.
- Lamb, rice, vegetables (specifically potato) and fish help dogs grow healthy.
- A smaller dog does not always mean it is more cost effective if their veterinarian bills cost more than food intake.
- Save on grooming costs by getting a dog with short, flat hair that will not require constant maintenance.
- Do not assume you cannot take your pet with you when you move, but make sure to ask.
- Do not wait until the last minute to deal with your pet -- early intervention is key to a happy home.
Take an online visit to Wilma's Orphans with the photos below
Additional video interviews
Click the embedded player below as Dr. Ralph Acampora, animal rights expert and professor at Hofstra University, discusses the need to address feral cats in the community. Read the transcript of Dr. Acampora's interview with Nassau News.
Click the embedded player below to hear an interview with Danijah Brevaie, 19, of Hempstead, who is studying graphic design at Brooklyn College. Her family surrendered their dog when she was 14 years old and she is now looking to adopt a pet now that she is supporting herself.
Click the embedded player below to watch Danijah Brevaie's full interview and her interaction with the dogs at Wilma's Orphans. Read the transcript of Danijah Brevaie's interview.
View my project memo on the project blog for Hempstead's Animals.
