Abandoned Pets Since 2007 Estimated at 1 to 2 Million

by cassy82 | November 19, 2009 at 10:55 am

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Abandoned pets since December 2007 has been estimated by the ASPCA at one to two million. Animal shelters and rescues have been struggling as donations and funds dry up.

The number of abandoned pets has been estimated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 1 to 2 million since the start of the recession in December 2007.

According to Stephen Zawistowski, science adviser and a top executive of ASPCA, animal shelters and rescues have been struggling because of the overwhelming number of pets brought in by pet owners evicted from foreclosed homes and by families who can no longer afford to feed their pets or no longer have space to care for their pets.

Additionally, donations to animal shelters and rescues have dropped considerably. Joanne Farrell, head of Naples, Florida-based Homeward Bound Greyhounds, which rescues former racing greyhounds, said donations have gone down by more than 50 percent and that the organization now owes food suppliers and veterinarians.

By Cassiano Travareli