"But as with other shifts in our collective tastes in pets, the growing popularity of shelter animals has had an unanticipated side effect -- there is a mismatch between the number of people who want to rescue a dog and the number of dogs needing to be rescued.
In 1970, 24 million dogs and cats were put to death in animal shelters in the United States. By 2007, the number had fallen to 4 million..."
In 1970, 24 million dogs and cats were put to death in animal shelters in the United States. By 2007, the number had fallen to 4 million..."
Why? I suggest that the education of people and the availability of low cost, voluntary spay and neuter programs are a big part of the reason, but so is the increase in the number of people who consider adoption when they think of acquiring a dog. Also contributing to this decrease in unwanted pets is the fact that there are far fewer dogs running loose (at least that has been my observation).
1 comment:
Interesting topic. I grew up with pure-bred Airedales, but my wife is adamant that we get a pound dog when and if we get a dog, and her arguments are persuasive.
Cheers,
Lang (Finspot)
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