Keywords:
canine overpopulation
zoonoses
responsible adoption
responsible pet ownership

  • Abstract

    The aim of this review is to analyze the causes that promote the increase in stray dogs, as well as to discuss responsible ownership or adoption and disruptions in human–dog interactions, consequences for dogs in streets, and alternatives to address the human–dog bond issue. Similarly, it analyzes the correct ownership and responsible acquisition, detects what has gone wrong in promoting positive bonds between man and dog, and suggests strategies to eliminate or lessen this problem. Finally, it is necessary to carry out joint actions instead of just opting for adoption but also offer education and awareness programs to caregivers, organize sterilization campaigns and take and apply measures to ensure animal well-being, which can lead to positive solutions for society, as well as improvements in the quality of animal life. Veterinarians are the key to disseminating the information and education on responsible ownership necessary to achieve this, as well as collaborating to reduce canine overpopulation jointly on the streets and, therefore, the problems that this entails.

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Lezama-García, K., Domínguez-Oliva, A., Buenhombre , J., Mora-Medina, P., Daza-Cardona, E. A., Olmos-Hernández, A., Ghezzi, M. D., & Mota, D. (2025). Exploring the stray dog crisis: When the human–canine relationships breakdown. Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 13(1), 2025003. https://doi.org/10.31893/jabb.2025003
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