Houston, Texas has one of the worst stray dog problems in the United States. Because of the mass numbers, some have even come to see them as pests – no better than a rat – that need to be eradicated.
“In the churchyard, it’s pretty bad,” explains Erin. “They don’t like the dogs. And we found one dog at the back and we don’t know who set the trap, but there was an actual leg trap and he was caught in it. But we can’t prove who did that.”
In addition, they have been told by cops they can’t feed the dogs in a residential area. Once you feed them for three days, the dogs are considered yours, Erin continues, and the police can actually walk up to you and give you a leash-law ticket.
On morning, Deanna Vollano and Tom McPhee of World Animal Awareness Society (WA2S) Films were doing a ride along with Lucy Moreno and her volunteer Erin on their feeding route, beginning at Melrose Park.
“With us on the route were Angela Madeksho and Brittany Faske,” says McPhee. “Before we even left Melrose Park we spotted 3 dogs roaming in a church parking lot across the street. Ironically, this was right next door to (Harris County Animal Control).”
We then came upon 3 dogs running around behind another church in a different location. It turned out the first dog was a young mama, the second, her puppy, and the third was a male, undetermined as to whether he was the father.
When we arrived, Angela and Brittany were out of the car quickly and the dogs ran to them immediately. Brittany collected the puppy while Angela was able to secure the mama. They both were in need of help.
The hardest part, is finding a place to put the dogs after they saving them. Fosters and rescues are overwhelmed in Houston. You can help my making a donation on the WA2S website or by fostering or adopting a dog. http://www.wa2s.org/operation-houston
