Homeless people with dogs

[Jog On]

At lunchtime today I walked past a spot where there’s usually a homeless person but this time just his dog was there whining. I felt really bad for it and it got me thinking if it amounts to cruelty for people that can’t feed, clothe or house themselves to keep pets.

I know it must be a pretty awful existence and to have a companion must be nice. I’m sure there must be some safety/security issues as well – if I was on the streets I’d feel safer with a dog. Also I’m sure it helps with begging to have a dog with you to tug on people’s heart strings.

All that aside – I wonder if it’s better or worse for the dog to be out on the streets with an owner rather than in a home?

Maybe if it’s better for them then more homeless people should be given dogs that would otherwise be impounded or destroyed?

Opinions anyone?

[DimPrawn]

Maybe if it’s better for them then more homeless people should be given dogs that would otherwise be impounded or destroyed?

Opinions anyone?

I'm sorry, I think it's better that homeless people are impounded and then destroyed.

[EternalOptimist]

At lunchtime today I walked past a spot where there’s usually a homeless person but this time just his dog was there whining. I felt really bad for it and it got me thinking if it amounts to cruelty for people that can’t feed, clothe or house themselves to keep pets.

I know it must be a pretty awful existence and to have a companion must be nice. I’m sure there must be some safety/security issues as well – if I was on the streets I’d feel safer with a dog. Also I’m sure it helps with begging to have a dog with you to tug on people’s heart strings.

All that aside – I wonder if it’s better or worse for the dog to be out on the streets with an owner rather than in a home?

Maybe if it’s better for them then more homeless people should be given dogs that would otherwise be impounded or destroyed?

Opinions anyone?

1 its illegal to abandon a pet

2 last week it ceased to be a Police responsibility to handle stray dogs, its now a local council job. They havn't been given any extra money. The RSPCA predicted packs of semi wild hounds in the UK one year from now

[Bagpuss]

I often wondered why so many had dogs until someone who worked with the salvation army told me it's because they get paid more in aid if they have one.

[BrilloPad]

Hail the mighty Jog!

Alot of homeless people are men who lost everything in divorce - anything that gives them some comfort is to be welcomed.

On the other hand I can't abide cruelty to animals - neither can my gf though she seems happy being cruewl to me - I guess I am sub-animal?

Doesn't it depend on a case by case basis?

[Moose423956]

I often wondered why so many had dogs until someone who worked with the salvation army told me it's because they get paid more in aid if they have one.

And if they get desperate they can eat it.

[Bagpuss]

And if they get desperate they can eat it.

Good idea, use the extra money to buy some curry powder

[wobbegong]

And if they get desperate they can eat it.

. . . or . . . *ahem* . . . y'know.


IGMC

[Marina]

I often wondered why so many had dogs until someone who worked with the salvation army told me it's because they get paid more in aid if they have one.

Absolutely. A mournful looking dog on a string is worth its weight in gold, and shared between beggars on a rota system. (Not talking from experience you understand, but that's what I've heard).

[Jog On]

Or joined in...

Bad lizard!