Pranavi Kompalli
Pet abandonment is the intentional separation of a pet from its family. Many argue that there is always an explanation behind why this happens, but I strongly believe that these reasons are often excuses used to make abandonment seem “acceptable.” Through this article, I aim to share my perspective by exploring an animal’s feelings, reactions, and physical struggles post the separation from its owners.
To begin with, I feel that the fact that animals are sentient beings is not always acknowledged. In many families across the world, pets are treated like temporary possessions — something that can be replaced or pushed aside when it is no longer convenient. People often fail to consider how being left alone on the streets to fend for itself affects an animal. The truth is that abandonment can deeply affect a pet’s mental well-being. Every animal forms a strong connection and bond with its family, and being abandoned can leave it feeling betrayed, lonely, confused, and lost. This reaction is completely understandable. Imagine being suddenly sent away from your family simply because they no longer want you around. Many families also fail to recognise that pets are lifetime commitments. They require consistent care, affection, and time — long-term responsibilities that cannot be ignored.
Secondly, abandonment forces a pet to start over completely. It must adjust to living alone and facing the many struggles that come with survival — searching for food morning and night, staying alert for predators or danger, and dealing with traffic, injuries, or illness. Being suddenly alone after depending on a person or family for so long can deeply shake a pet’s sense of safety and trust. On top of that, the animal is exposed to the public and must adapt to a detached, unfamiliar lifestyle. It is heartbreaking to even think about or picture the daily challenges that so many abandoned pets face.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that the cruelty behind pet abandonment often goes unnoticed and people fail to remember that once you have a pet, you must love, protect, and cherish it forever. When we bring an animal into our lives, walking away should never be an option.
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