Studies ordered by the WHO have proved several times that the population of stray dogs continuously increases with human population. The number of animals living in cities is dependent on the supply of food, water and shelter. The greater the population, the more stray dogs and cats exist. The capacity of reproduction of dogs is very high – with enough food supply the population could easily triplicate in one year. This is why attempts to reduce the number of street dogs by systematic killing have so far failed. These culling programs have proved to be in vain and expensive. When dogs are removed by killing or capture, they are rapidly replaced by higher reproduction and immigration because of the then better living conditions. The new population is normally even more affected by infections and parasites, because younger animals are more vulnerable, and migration movement always contributes to the distribution of diseases. In addition, there are often attempts to kill dogs by laying out toxic bait. Toxic bait, however, is also dangerous to humans; above all it is a serious threat to children.

Since 1990 the WHO has recommended the use of methods for the reduction of dog population which start with the living and environmental conditions in a specific country. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying dog owners and to give them responsibility, to inform and include the human population, and to execute castrations.

The Municipality of Praha has rewarded our good works and our reach-out efforts with its support. Public mobilization against strychnine poisoning has been especially successful.