All articles tagged with #animal shelters
Texas faces a potential surge in shelter euthanizations as the New World screwworm prompts quarantines across 13 counties; agencies, shelters, and rescue groups are coordinating inspections and treatment to slow the spread, while rural shelters fear overcrowding could force thousands of animals to be euthanized if movement is blocked and public reporting is encouraged to protect animals and public health.
Ring is expanding its Search Party pet finder to non‑Ring owners through the Ring Neighbors app in the US, enabling neighbors to alert owners if a connected Ring camera detects a missing pet. The company is also committing $1 million to equip animal shelters nationwide with camera systems, building on a feature launched last September amid privacy concerns and a Super Bowl ad push.
India's top court has ordered Delhi and surrounding areas to relocate all stray dogs to shelters within eight weeks to address concerns over dog bites and rabies, with a focus on establishing shelters with sterilization and vaccination facilities. Animal welfare groups criticize the timeline as unrealistic, emphasizing the need for better implementation of existing control measures. The move aims to reduce rabies-related deaths, which are estimated to cause around 18,000-20,000 deaths annually in India.
French bulldogs remain the most popular purebred dog breed in the US, according to the American Kennel Club rankings, despite concerns from longtime fans about the breed's popularity leading to health and breeding issues. Other popular breeds include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and poodles. The rankings also show a resurgence in dachshunds and the rise of the cane corso, while a new breed, the bracco Italiano, makes its debut. Despite the popularity of purebred dogs, animal shelters continue to have a large number of dogs available for adoption.
Animal shelters across the United States are facing a surge in abandoned dogs, with financial hardships driving many pet owners to relinquish their animals. The cost of pet care, including veterinary visits and food, has risen alongside inflation, making it difficult for some owners to afford their pets. The lifting of a federal moratorium on evictions has also exacerbated the challenge of finding affordable housing that allows pets. As a result, shelters are struggling to accommodate the influx of abandoned dogs, prompting efforts to encourage pet adoption and provide support for pet owners facing financial difficulties.
Animal shelters in the United States are facing a crisis of overcrowding as the cost of living rises and pet adoptions fail to keep pace with the influx of animals, particularly larger dogs. Economic factors such as higher pet care costs and housing insecurity are contributing to the problem, with owners abandoning pets due to financial challenges and restrictions on pets in affordable housing. Limited space and a shortage of veterinarians further exacerbate the issue. Shelters are resorting to housing animals in offices and are in need of long-term solutions to address the root causes of overcrowding. Efforts to reduce intakes, expand foster programs, and promote adoptions are underway nationwide.
Animal shelters across the United States are facing overcrowding issues as the cost of living rises, leading to a surge in the number of pets being surrendered. The pandemic-related dip in shelter populations in 2020 has been followed by a significant increase in animals entering shelters in 2021. The rise in pet care costs and housing insecurity are contributing factors, with larger dogs being particularly affected. Limited space and a shortage of veterinarians have exacerbated the problem, reducing access to care. Shelters and advocates are working to reduce intakes and encourage adoptions through foster programs, pet food pantries, and spay/neuter clinics. However, a long-term solution requires addressing the underlying economic challenges and housing crisis that lead to pet surrenders.
Dogs at the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Shelter in Florida are dying due to a virus outbreak caused by Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus. Three dogs have already died, prompting the shelter to temporarily stop accepting dogs for surrender or intake. The shelter is following protocols recommended by Dr. Cynda Crawford from the University of Florida to reduce the risk to other dogs. Quarantine measures have been implemented, and all dogs in the shelter have received antibiotics. Partner agencies and rescues are assisting with emergency strays.
Officials at the Keywood Animal Clinic in Abingdon, Virginia, believe they have treated cases of a new mysterious dog illness with varying symptoms, including coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy. The cause of the illness is still unknown, with researchers investigating whether it is a virus or bacterial infection. While the cases treated at the clinic have been minor, there have been reports across the country of more serious symptoms, including acute pneumonia. Veterinarians recommend keeping dogs away from other dogs and ensuring they are up to date on their vaccines to protect against potential infections. Animal shelters face challenges in preventing the spread of the illness due to the close proximity of dogs in their facilities.
Two new laws aimed at protecting animals in Connecticut will come into effect on October 1. The first law requires municipal animal shelters to maintain indoor temperatures between 55 to 80 degrees, addressing concerns raised by the sweltering conditions in a Wallingford shelter. The second law makes sexual assault of an animal a Class A misdemeanor, with police and animal control officers taking possession of the alleged victim for examination by a veterinarian. Additionally, veterinarians will be required to report suspected harm, neglect, or cruelty due to animal fighting. Courts will also be mandated to prohibit convicted offenders from owning, adopting, living with, or working with animals for five years.
Oklahoma animal shelters, including Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, may be reopening soon after being shut down for months due to a flu outbreak. The shelters have had to euthanize 717 animals and are currently treating those showing signs of illness. The community needs to build up immunity to the disease to prevent further outbreaks. Some shelters, like Moore Animal Shelter, are open for adoption but not taking in new animals. The vaccine is on backorder, but the shelters hope local vets will recommend it for all animals. Neutering has been performed to have animals available for adoption when the shelters reopen.
Animal shelters in the Twin Cities experienced a surge in the number of stray and abandoned animals over the Fourth of July weekend, with a total of 74 turn-ins reported at three Animal Humane Society locations. The sudden influx of cats, dogs, and other pets has put a strain on shelter staff, who are working to provide care for the new arrivals while managing their existing animals. The high numbers may be attributed to the fear caused by fireworks and other seasonal factors. The shelters will begin the adoption process after five days, allowing owners a chance to be reunited with their lost pets.
Dozens of stray pets were brought to Orange County animal shelters during the Fourth of July weekend, as the holiday festivities can cause dogs to panic and escape from their homes. While some pets have been reunited with their owners, others remain separated. Owners searching for lost pets are advised to check the OC Animal Care website, local veterinarian offices, Facebook groups, NextDoor, or posters. Shelters in Los Angeles and Riverside counties are working with Petco Love Lost, a website that uses image recognition technology to reunite lost pets.
Sumter County Animal Services issues a warning about parvovirus in neighboring counties, which affects dogs and cats and can be deadly without treatment. The virus is spread by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. Signs of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus, and pet owners are urged to ensure their animals are fully vaccinated.
PETA criticized comedian Pete Davidson for purchasing a cavapoo puppy from a breeder instead of adopting one from a New York City animal shelter. Davidson reportedly bought the dog for his mother after her former hound passed away. PETA urged Davidson to adopt from a shelter in the future, as they are overflowing with homeless animals. This is not the first time Davidson's pet adoption has made headlines, as he famously purchased a pig named Piggy Smallz with his former fiancé, Ariana Grande.