World

Animal Shelters in Dallas Overwhelmed by Pets

by cassy82 | November 25, 2009 at 07:38 am

139 views | 49 Recommendations | 4 comments

Animal shelters in Dallas are being overwhelmed by pets being brought in by families facing financial hardships and foreclosures. They are also struggling from declines in donations, funding and adoptions.

Animal shelters in Dallas are now overwhelmed by pets, just like most animal rescues and shelters in other parts of the country. Because of financial difficulties and foreclosures, more pets are being abandoned and more families are bringing in their pets to shelters.

The services center of the Animal Guardians of America in West Dallas, which took in more than 7,700 cats in 2008, no longer has space and funds for additional pets. At its website, Animal Guardians has announced that it is no longer able to accept pets.

Steve Hurst, a volunteer at Animal Guardians, said that it is not easy refusing animals brought in, but the center no longer has space for more pets. He said he has to advise people asking for help to bring their pets to other shelters where their pets may have to undergo euthanasia.

By Cassiano Travareli

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Add a comment

Rhonda J Mangus

at 10:51 on November 25th, 2009

Thanks for this, cassy82. Unfortunately, animal shelters are burdened across the U.S. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that as a result of the current economic crisis, the number of cats and dogs at risk of becoming homeless stands between 500,000 - 1 million.

Judy Diaz (not verified)

at 10:52 on November 25th, 2009

Thats so sad. I am a pet lover and i can't even imagine how sad those people who had to leave their pets had to go through. The Gov't should really do something but I think life is going to be found on Mars before that happens.