Hundreds of millions of stray dogs and cats live outside human households worldwide, with their welfare and management raising significant ethical and practical challenges.
The welfare of stray animals is a global challenge that intersects with public health, cultural attitudes, and resource availability. Mass culling programmes have been shown repeatedly to be ineffective at reducing stray populations because removal creates a vacuum rapidly filled by remaining animals. Humane stray animal management requires sustained investment in neutering programmes, vaccination against rabies and other diseases, and community engagement to reduce abandonment and encourage responsible ownership. Street dogs that receive basic healthcare and community support can live adequate lives, while feral cats present particular challenges due to their impact on wildlife and their own welfare vulnerabilities.