Courtney Steiner

Jacey Sorensen
Emily Young
Sage Wintle
Taylor Tucker
Brinley Wilkerson
Problem Statement
Due: November 11, 2016
20 points

1) Describe the problem your group would like to address in a project this term. Also, explain
why your group would like to focus on this problem.
The problem we will be addressing is overpopulation of abandoned pets on the Navajo
Reservation. On any given day, there are 160,000 or more homeless pets roaming the
reservation. Due to the overpopulation issue, we think it's imperative to find homes for these
stranded animals in order to improve their quality of life, as well as the quality of life for the
reservation residents.

2) Describe the context in which the problem exists.

The Navajo residents have taken no population preventative measures, making the
population grow at an exponential rate each year. The animals roam the reservation creating an
sanitation problem. The welfare and health of these wild, roaming animals is also a concern.

3) Explain which stakeholders are affected by this problem and identify those who are affected
to the greatest degree.
Those affected largely by this problem are the Navajo Reservation residents. Having a
large amount of stray animals running around the reservation affects the cleanliness and overall
upkeep of the reservation. The animals are also left to search for food and are ultimately left
malnourished. The Navajo Nation Animal Control are the stakeholders on the Reservation who
are trying to gain control over this issue. They are sadly underfunded and understaffed. The
few animals they can afford to care for are housed in a small shelter.

4) How directly or indirectly does this problem impact the community?

The Navajo Reservation community is directly affected by this problem. The dogs roam
around convenience stores and gas stations looking for food or comfort. Its a very unsanitary
condition for both the animals and humans to live in. These animals fill the local shelters with
many pets, slightly reducing the amount of stray animals near housing and city populations.
This problem definitely keeps the Navajo Nation Animal Control busy as they continue to catch
more homeless dogs.

5) What are the anticipated benefits of correcting this problem or resolving this issue?
The benefits of solving this problem include some of the following: Being able to greatly
reduce the amount of homeless pets roaming the reservation. It will create a healthier, more
sanitary environment for both human and animal benefit. The rescued animals can be
rehabilitated and sent off to foster homes, shelters, or be put up for adoption. It will also reduce
the amounts of potential feral animals wandering around the neighborhoods and community.