In numerous countries, stray dogs endure a harsh existence, suffering in extreme cold or heat with little to no access to food or water. Their plight often worsens when they are captured by dog catchers and taken to so-called "public" or "private shelters," where financial interests often take precedence. And then, there are the puppy mill breeders.

Voters around the world are increasingly relying on actors from the right-wing populist spectrum to "fix all of their problems." But are their polarising programmes and plans truly suited for providing solutions?