What’s going on with Shelters? There is good news and still work to be done!

According to the Humane Society, compared to 1973, the number of cats and dogs entering shelters yearly is down from more than 20 million.

For example, in 1970, one shelter in Eugene, Oregon, was receiving up to one hundred dogs a day. (At the time, animal control was not even bringing cats to shelters.) Most of those dogs were euthanized. By 2015, after spaying was introduced as a general practice, the same shelter reported that intakes had dropped to less than 10 percent of that number.

In 2020, 32% fewer dogs and 23% fewer cats entered animal shelters, and euthanasia decreased by -44%. (Spots.com)

And we still have work to do! According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, roughly 6.5 million animals enter shelters annually, but only 3.2 million are adopted.

At the same time, there is a growing awareness of the problem. According to the No Kill Advocacy Center, 96% of Americans report a moral duty to protect animals, and states should support laws that do so.

What can we do? First, support your local shelter! Second, if you are looking to adopt a new pet, please think about visiting a shelter first! The animals there are amazing and need a "forever home." Finally, support legislation that helps protect animals. It's okay to be one of those persistent individuals who bug legislators! There is an African saying, "If you don't think one individual can make a difference, try sleeping in a room with one mosquito."