Every fall, Georgia sees an increase in stray dogs wandering streets and neighborhoods.

Cooler weather, changing routines, and abandoned pets contribute to the rise, creating challenges for communities and animal shelters.

Understanding the factors behind this seasonal surge can help locals respond with awareness, compassion, and action.

From increased outdoor activity to overlooked litters, these ten reasons explain why the number of stray dogs climbs each autumn and what can be done to address it.

1. Hunting Season Abandonment

© Outdoor Life

Hunters often ditch dogs that don’t perform well during training. When hunting season arrives in fall, dogs that fail to track game or respond to commands get left behind in rural areas.

These abandoned hunting breeds – often hounds and pointe

See Full Page