World Animal Awareness Society - WA2S.org
World Animal Awareness Society - WA2S.org
Banner Image: 2011 WA2S Executive Director Tom McPhee documents "owned" dogs within the City of Detroit as part of the American Strays Census & Film Study.  Image donated by Michelle Way.

AMERICAN STRAYS
An Unprecedented Free-Roaming Dog Census & Film Study

THIS PAGE CONTINUALLY EVOLVES  - BOOKMARK AND RETURN FREQUENTLY TO LEARN MORE - THANK YOU, MW
     The American Strays Research Program is a true census combined with a scientific film study. The first step in solving a problem is understanding the problem. The systematic documentation of the "free-roaming" (aka stray) dog population will forever remove opinion and provide substantive data by which rational decisions may be made and funded.  A team of volunteer citizen scientists are currently compiling data within the 143 square miles that make up the City of Detroit.



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American Strays Page Index:

Share Your Story
Participate

Citizen Scientists
Residents, Experts, & Organizations
Youth Involvement
Definitions & Resources

Contact Us

It's Not Just A Headcount

     The American Strays Research Program will not only define the number of free-roaming (aka stray) dogs in each City, but also profile the organizations actively working with the stray dog population, create a directory of resources available to the community and assist in the plan to resolve any issues by providing detailed, visual rich data and analysis gathered from the entire City.   Statistical analysis will include a variety of factors within the City, including owned/unowned dogs, cat colonies, tethered animals, City Demographics, freeway animals (live/deceased), abandoned housing, known animal cruelty data provided by the various local investigators, other relevant data from the community & shelter surveys and Department of Agriculture annual reports. In our analysis we will create models that can predict locations of need, as well as provide actual locations where we have documented concentrations of specific factors within the City.  Upon conclusion of the American Strays program in each City, WA2S will publish a peer-reviewed technical paper that includes the census results, develop a television ready program & documentary, and produce video profiles of organizations & members of the community interviewed during this dynamic quantitative film study.

     What Individuals/Organizations are participating?
The following is a list of organizations that we have documented and/or are scheduled to participate in our rescue/shelter profile or have consulted/provided guidance.   As we complete more interviews we will add to this list.
  • City of Detroit Animal Control (DAC)
  • Michigan Humane Society (MHS)
  • Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society (MACS)
  • Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR)
  • Detroit Bully Crew (DBC)
  • Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan (RPSM)
  • End Dog-fighting in Detroit (HSUS extension)
  • Motor City Bully Club
  • C.H.A.I.N.E.D. Inc.
  • Providing For Paws
  • Loveabull Paws Rescue
  • Grassroots Emergency Animal Rescue (GEAR)
  • Animal Rescues of Michigan
  • USPS Delivery Personnel
  • Michigan Department of Agriculture
  • City of Detroit - Mayor's Office
  • Michigan State University - Center for Statistical Analysis
  • ...and a variety of other organizations and members of the community...
  • Waggs & Wishes
  • All About Animals
  • Home Fur-Ever Rescue
  • Last Day Dog Rescue (LDDR)
  • Canine Companions Rescue Center
  • Almost Home
  • P.A.W.S. of Michigan

     Should your name or organization appear on this list?  Do you have a story or information you would like to share in regards to the domestic animals, shelters/rescues/resources in the City of Detroit?
Do you provide assistance to families in need in the City of Detroit so that they may keep their pets?

     If you answered YES to any of the above questions, please contact us at info@WA2S.org to schedule an interview today.  Thank you.
See the playlist below for a few of the interviews & video
capturedduring our research in the City of Detroit.
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Producer & Director: Tom McPhee
     BIO: Executive Director and Founder of the World Animal Awareness Society, Tom McPhee is an award winning producer and director of film, TV, and multi-language interactive media.   He owns 2 media companies, Cave Studio and Man Smiling Moving Pictures.   Tom served as producer and host/character for two animal centric TV shows broadcast across Canada on The Pet Network (Tom McPhee's Rescue Journal, Rock & Roll Dogs) in 2009.  Tom is the Producer & Director of the multi award-winning documentary An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever! Tom has been on expedition recently filming the animal relief efforts post disaster Haiti, ALL EYES ON THE GULF Expedition, West Coast USA, and Japan.
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Lead Scientific Researcher & Data Collection: Michelle Way
     BIO: WA2S Chief Operating Officer Michelle Way earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University (LTU).  She spent close to a decade studying human behavior in the Biosciences Division at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).  Michelle’s responsibilities at UMTRI included development of laboratory facilities, analysis and reporting of data, writing technical reports, supervising research assistants, experiment design and development of test methods. Michelle also worked as a design engineer for Toyota USA.  She has had more than a dozen technical papers published through UM, LTU, and SAE and has presented her research at the SAE World Congress and is a published photographer.  Michelle has volunteered countless hours for service organizations & animal related non-profits. 

Deceased Dogs: Highway Investigations

     Jessica Petty & Stevie Birrell have been investigating deceased dogs on the highways in the City of Detroit for 4+ years. The photos in the slide-show below will chronicle some of the animals they have documented, as well as imagery from the days that the WA2S team has joined their efforts.

      The World Animal Awareness Society will be collaborating with Stevie & Jessica. We plan to combine our knowledge and make some comparisons with the American Strays: DETROIT census data. With both data-sets we may be able to determine probable relationships between the animal populations in surrounding communities and the deceased animals locations. We will also assist in making some connections with current research on road-kill & computer models/simulations of animal-vehicle collisions.
      Please note that some of the images of deceased animals in this slide-show may be difficult to view.
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Jessica & Stevie discuss their research methods. (c) 2011 WA2S.org / M. Way
DO YOU DRIVE ANY OF THE MAJOR EXPRESSWAYS WITHIN THE CITY OF DETROIT??

HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED AN ANIMAL ON THE EXPRESSWAY
(ALIVE OR DECEASED)?

THE NEXT TIME YOU WITNESS A DOMESTIC DOG ON THE EXPRESSWAY, SEND A MESSAGE TO info@WA2S.org.  Please include the date, time, alive/deceased, and exact location of the animal.  Thank you.

Research Methods & Nomenclature

     Volunteer citizen scientists adhere to standardized census protocol established by the WA2S that is similar to previously developed techniques for marine, terrestrial or avian population surveys.  The World Animal Awareness Society team is using a "capture - recapture" technique during the street census (or headcount) portion of this study to measure the "free-roaming" dog population.  Citizen scientists will survey every street within the 143 square miles of Detroit for the initial "capture" via photograph and video of any "free-roaming" dogs.  During a second visual inspection of the community, "recapture" data will be collected.  Using previously developed formulas this data, combined with shelter data, and other community surveys the actual "free-roaming" populations are determined.  Additional analysis will include City Demographics and shelter surveys to provide detailed descriptions of needs and solutions in various locations of the City.  We will not identify specific breeds due to the likelihood of inaccuracy in reporting.  A photo/video of each animal will be used in final reporting, instead of defining specific breeds.

     ALL dogs, cats, animal related signs, abandoned homes, weather, a variety of community elements and unique occurrences are documented.  ALL dogs not confined to an owners' property are termed "free-roaming." A "free-roaming" dog is defined as a domestic dog that is not confined in any way; these dogs may be owned, but allowed to run freely, gotten loose or they may be strays.  "Free-roaming" dogs are documented via photo & video when available.  When possible, data is also recorded regarding location, ownership status, collar, tags, body/physical condition, altered, and anything unique. 

     Dog ownership status is divided into three categories: (1) stray, (2) community, (3) owned.  When defining an animal, more than one category may be used. (i.e. community owned or community stray -- see the following definitions for more details). 

     DEFINITIONS:
     Stray - Nobody stakes claim of ownership over the dog.
(Animal Control/Shelter definition states that any dog roaming at large is a stray - owned or unowned. Excerpt of Detroit Ordinance, Animal Control regulation & Care Sec. 6-2-6: (b) Unlawful for any owner to allow any dog to stray on public or private property, unless held properly by a leash or under restraint. We chose a slightly altered definition that reflects what the general public assumes the term - "stray dog" means.  Using this definition the owned/unowned status is separated into different factors for further study & analysis.)

     Community - Community-stray dogs are sometimes fed by people in the community, but not fully owned by anyone.  They are recognized by the community, but not necessarily cared for the whereabouts of the dog at all times.  Community-owned dogs are dogs that are owned, but free-roaming.

     Owned - A person stakes claim over the dog.  The dog stays with the owner most of the day, or the owner knows the whereabouts of the dog for most of the day/night.

WA2S volunteers are conducting actual headcounts of "free-roaming" dogs, as well as connecting with the community to learn more about the existing conditions that may be contributing factors to the "free-roaming" population. Interviews and survey data will be documented with community residents & businesses, existing animal shelters & rescues, animal cruelty investigators, as well as City service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service to help the WA2S define the "stray" dog population and how it relates to the community within each City we visit.
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Constitution Hall, Lansing, MI - Meeting with the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) State Veterinarian & Animal Industry Division Director Steven Halstead, DVM, MS. We discussed the legal requirements for Animal Protection & Animal Control Shelters & staff in Michigan. (c) 2011 WA2S.org / M. Way
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Owned animals documented within the City of Detroit. (c) 2011 WA2S.org / M. Way
     ALL dogs not confined to an owners' property are termed "free-roaming."

     A "free-roaming" dog is defined as a domestic dog that is not confined in any way; these dogs may be owned, but allowed to run freely, gotten loose, or they may be strays.
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Free-roaming (stray) dog now known as Bella. She has been adopted into a forever home since this photo. Stay tuned to WA2S.org for her complete story. (c) 2011 WA2S.org / M. Way

    SOURCES:

     (1) CASE Study: Dog population management on Koh Tao Thailand (2004-2007) - Noistar Thai Animal Rescue Foundation, RSPCA, WSPA

     (2) Brown, Graeme, 2002 - Population Study of Free-Roaming Dogs in a Remote Community in Central Australia, Urban Animal Management Conference Proceedings 2002

     (3) Animal Control & Care - Pet Ownership in Detroit: Your Rights & Responsibilities. Revised Aug 2005.

Michigan Humane Society Provides Grant to
WA2S.org for American Strays: DETROIT Research

     PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 27, 2011 -
Earlier this year the World Animal Awareness Society began a landmark “stray” (aka free-roaming) dog census & film study: American Strays. This project provides a video census of the stray dog issues and needs within 5 – 20 cities across the USA documenting apparent issues with free-roaming dog populations. The first population center the WA2S.org members, directors, citizen-scientists & video-journalists will encompass is the City of Detroit, Michigan. The output from this project will provide data driven information that will better enable all individuals and organizations who are working hard to make a difference within the city on behalf of the animals and its citizens.

     The World Animal Awareness Society has set a baseline goal for funds required to complete the American Strays: Detroit Research at $125K. The Michigan Humane Society, along with a second anonymous granting organization have helped WA2S get to the half-way point with our financial needs on this important community program. Additional funds or grants are still needed.

     The Michigan Humane Society is Michigan's oldest & largest animal welfare organization and one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the country based on the number of animals cared for and the scope of programs and services. MHS is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for over 100,000 animals each year out of 3 centers for animal care: Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. The Michigan Humane Society also investigates more than 5,000 animal cruelty complaints each year in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. The mission of MHS is to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. Learn more on their website: http://www.michiganhumane.org/

     The American Strays Research Program is a true census combined with a scientific film study. The first step in solving a problem is understanding the problem. American Strays research is the systematic documentation of the "free-roaming" (aka stray) dog population to assist in forever removing opinion and provide substantive data by which rational decisions may be made and funded. American Strays aims to define the number of stray dogs in each City, profile the organizations actively working with the stray dog population, and assist in the plan to resolve the situation by providing detailed, visual rich information gathered from the entire City.  Executive Director Tom McPhee is lead Director of the documentaries, while Chief Operating Officer Michelle Way leads the research. WA2S volunteers are conducting actual headcounts of "free-roaming" dogs, as well as connecting with the community to learn more about the existing conditions that may be contributing factors to the "free-roaming" population. Interviews and survey data will be documented with community residents & businesses, existing animal shelters & rescues, animal cruelty investigators, as well as City service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service to help the WA2S define the "stray" dog population and how it relates to the community within each City we visit. A team of volunteer citizen scientists are currently compiling data within the 143 square miles that make up the City of Detroit. Look for this program to be the template by which we roll out a national initiative to more US cities over the next 5 years. Donate, Partner, & Learn more http://www.wa2s.org/american-strays-research.html

     The World Animal Awareness Society - WA2S.org specializes in filming contemporary events at the human-animal intersection. Headline stories such as the proliferation of puppy mills including raids by national and local animal rescues; Dolphin, Shark and Whale wars; animal hoarding; and animals affected by man-made disasters are filmed. Recent expeditions produced stories of animal rescue and relief efforts in earthquake ravaged Haiti, dozens of stories focused on the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico and the effect on wildlife as part of the ALL EYES ON THE GULF Expedition, most recently an excursion to earthquake and tsunami ravaged northeastern Japan to put a lens on animal/human rescue and relief efforts & American Strays: DETROIT an unprecedented dog census & film study.

Printable version -- PR Log at - PRLog.org/11708463  

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WA2S Documents the Michigan Humane Society Cruelty Investigators.(c) 2011 WA2S.org 2011 / M. Way

     The VISION of the World Animal Awareness Society (WA2S.org) is to focus a lens on a wide spectrum of interactions at the human-animal intersection and curate a detailed filmed archive of behaviors in expectation of observing human evolution.

     For more about the expeditions and work of the World Animal Awareness Society, please visit our website to view our videos and learn more: http://www.WA2S.org

     The World Animal Awareness Society is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity as determined by the IRS. Contributions to the the Society are tax deductible under section 170 of the Code. EIN: 27-1918794
    

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WA2S Documents a Michigan Humane Society Rescue. (c) 2011 WA2S.org / M. Way

Meet A Stray Dog: Penelope

Penelope was discovered by volunteers with the WA2S.org team in April 2011 during the pilot research for our American Strays Project. Penelope  completed the Refurbished Pets  of Southern Michigan Correctional Training Program & is now available for adoption.Learn more:www.rpsm.us
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AMERICAN STRAYS:
An Unprecedented Stray Dog Census & Film Study

     How Many "Free-Roaming" Dogs Live in Your City? Would you be surprised to learn that, until now, NO organization has conducted a true census on the "free-roaming" canine (aka stray) populations in any major City within the United States to accurately define this number on a given day?

     The American Strays Research Program is a true census combined with a scientific film study.  A team of volunteers are currently investigating within the 143 square miles that make up the City of Detroit (ongoing through June 2012).

      American Strays aims to define the number of stray dogs in each City, profile the organizations actively working with the stray dog population, and assist in the plan to resolve the situation by providing detailed, visual rich information gathered from the entire City.   Upon conclusion of the American Strays program in each City, WA2S will publish census results, develop a television ready program & documentary, and produce video profiles of organizations & members of the community interviewed during this dynamic quantitative film study.

     Volunteers will participate under the guidance of experts with the World Animal Awareness Society. WA2S teams will collaborate with animal rescue groups already working with the dog population within the City, such as Michigan Humane Society and Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan. All volunteers will adhere to standardized protocol established by the WA2S that is similar to previously developed techniques for marine, terrestrial or avian population surveys.

     WA2S volunteers will not only conduct actual headcounts of "free-roaming" dogs, but also connect with the community to learn more about the existing conditions that may be contributing factors to the "free-roaming" population.  Interviews and survey data will be documented with community residents & businesses, existing animal shelters & rescues, anti-cruelty investigators, as well as City service workers such as the U.S. Postal Service to help the WA2S define the "stray" dog population and how it relates to the community within each City we visit.

     The systematic documentation of the "stray" dog population will forever remove opinion and provide substantive data by which rational decisions may be made and funded. The first step in solving the problem is understanding the problem. The stray dog population has existed for quite some time in Detroit and other major cities in the US and the perception, due to economic issues and flight, suggest that it is getting worse. 

     Look for this program to be the template by which we roll out a national initiative to more than 20 US cities over the next 5 years.

If you would like to volunteer, are with an organization that is working with "free-roaming"/"stray" dogs within any major population center within the USA, have interest in partnering or providing a grant, please tell us by using our contact form here: http://www.wa2s.org/contact.html

INITIAL PRESS RELEASE --
World Animal Awareness Society Initiates American Strays-Detroit: An Unprecedented Stray Dog Census

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Executive Director Tom McPhee documents a "free-roaming" owned dog in the City of Detroit. (c) 2011 WA2S.org, Image donated by Michelle Way.
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A community resident (Greg) & a community unowned dog (aka a "stray") affectionately known by the community as "Sharpie". (c) 2011 WA2S.org, Image donated by Michelle Way.
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WA2S.org Executive Director Tom McPhee documents a standard survey with a City of Detroit USPS worker. (c) 2011 WA2S.org. Image donated by Michelle Way.
The VISION of the World Animal Awareness Society (WA2S.org) is to focus a lens on a wide spectrum of interactions at the human-animal intersection and curate a detailed filmed archive of behaviors in expectation of observing human evolution. Thank you for taking time to visit us on the world wide internet.