Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Amin Tawar
It’s a sad reality that animal shelters all over the world are dealing with a serious problem of too many animals, and dogs, in particular, are feeling the impact. There are a bunch of reasons behind this: Our News Source
Economic hardship: Firstly, many folks are finding it tough to make ends meet because of the high cost of living, inflation, and a lack of affordable housing. This financial strain makes it difficult for them to take care of their pets, leading to more animals ending up in shelters.
Unwanted pandemic pets: Then, there’s the issue of pets that were adopted during the lockdowns of the pandemic. Lots of people welcomed furry friends into their homes, but as things have gone back to normal, some folks are finding it challenging to handle the responsibilities of pet ownership, and sadly, some pets are being returned to shelters.
Breeding and abandonment: Lastly, there’s the problem of irresponsible breeding and people abandoning their pets. These practices are adding to the growing number of dogs without homes. It’s a tough situation, and it’s the animals that end up suffering the most.
This surplus of animals creates a huge burden for shelters, resulting in:
- Limited resources: Shelters find it really tough to make sure every dog gets enough food, medical attention, and activities to keep them happy and healthy.
- Stress and behavioral issues: When there are too many dogs crammed into a space, it can make them super stressed out, leading to anxiety and sometimes causing them to act out in ways that can be challenging.
- Increased risk of euthanasia: It’s heartbreaking, but when shelters are full to the brim and resources are spread thin, some dogs sadly face the heartbreaking possibility of being put to sleep. It’s a tough decision that no one wants to make, but it happens when there are too many animals and not enough support.