Often pets are forgotten or mistreated in many countries and they become stray animals. They are abandoned in the street because their owners doesn't take enough responsibility or because no ones welcomes them in their home, for most cases. Either one or another, it's a sad reality for those unfortunate animals.
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There are people who do care for stray animals.
There are kind people in this world who aren't indifferent about this situation. Whenever that means helping by providing food, helping with medicine or a home or shelter.
I follow an Instagram account, which I highly recommend if you want to get inspired. Every month they publish many stories around the world about people who have helped animals with their difficulties. Many of them are stray pets or rescued animals in the wild. Check them out.
Stray animals in Turkey.
In many countries, there will be always people who don't care anyway of animals in the street. In Turkey however, there is an entire culture of feeding stray animals in front of their door.
Doing so, any dog, cat, pigeon and even rat could come to have dinner. They are free to eat as much as food is available.
Who feeds them?
Normal people like you and me; in one sentence. Turks take their food leftovers for stray animals.
In Istanbul I saw an old woman feeding cats in the street. It seems that she regularly comes to take care of this animals. For me, a noble duty.
Old woman in Istanbul feeding stray animals. 
Old woman in Istanbul feeding stray animals.
Notice how this cat managed its way inside the supermarket and found a place to sleep.
And notice how this cat is guarded by this wizard while sleeping.
People working in the stores don't throw them away. They are allowed to stay. A turk told me that cats where the “mascot” of the Ottoman Empire, in certain way.
How do they feed them?
When you walk in the street, you may find various types of trays with food. In a ceramic or plastic plate, they place it in front of their doors. This way animals can eat from them if they happen to walk by. Most of them may include bread and dry pet food but also french fries, meat, soup and leftover food. Most of it is intended for cats but also for dogs.
Water are also sometimes offered in plastic bottles for example. They are cut in half and also place before their houses or apartment.
Could you replicate the same service for stray animals in your city? Should you?
What would happen if do so? Are there complications involved? How much would it cost?
First all, how often do you see stray animals in the street? If you see with some regularity, you may consider a good option to put in your front door.
Buy a small pet plate to start. Try to put it a place where rain doesn't fall inside and deteriorate the dry food. Stray animals will find them eventually or be kind and show them the first time!
If feeding animals in your front door begins to be a problem for your neighbors, negotiate with them. Perhaps feeding them 4 times a week could disturb them less than 7 times per week; or you could move the plate away in a park nearby could be a good idea.
What if you begin to attract pests? According to this article and this article, cats became part of sedentary societies because rats began to bother human settlements. In no time the rats in front of your door will get visit from predators!
Be sure to classify dog food from cat food because cats do need taurine in their organism!
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This is horrifying and disgusting. Just saw a stray animal literally climbing on a food counter in a restaurant, and eating directly out of the dish! What if you are allergic to cats? What if you are a bird lover? It’s one thing looking after strays, but when they can spread disease, at what point do you realise this is morally wrong? You need to crack down on feral cats. Neuter them. They spread disease, and their mess is literally toxic to humans!
Or aren’t people who not allowed to feel safe around food?