Regional realities: Impact of stray dogs and cats on the commun

Most statistics from animal control agencies in the Caribbean on the number of stray dogs rescued annually will show that initially there is a significant decline in numbers followed within a few years by a levelling off, after which, the numbers remain relatively constant. While this may be interpreted in many ways, I believe that a reason for this is because a very high percentage of “stray” dogs are actually owned animals that are allowed to roam. When they are captured / rescued and returned, adopted or euthanized, they are simply released again or replaced with another one which is then allowed to roam.