Photo: WBZ NewsRadio \ Madison Rogers
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Shelter Animals Count, which tracks animal shelter data in the United States, is reporting a massive drop in adopters coming forward, and coupled with economic instability and veterinary staffing shortages, has resulted in an overpopulation of dogs nationwide.
Officials from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center say the problem puts canines without homes at a higher risk for euthanasia.
"In response, the MSPCA has announced an ambitious goal of placing 2,500 dogs—a mix of local stray and surrendered dogs, as well as those who will be transported to Massachusetts—into adoptive homes by the fall through a series of special adoption events, the first of which is scheduled for the second week of June," a spokesperson from the animal shelter said.
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Meantime, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, which is part of a network of over 500 foster homes, say they never euthanize animals based on space.
"The ARL, like other animal welfare organizations, has seen a dip in potential adopters for dogs in the organization’s care over the past 6-8 months. The specific reasoning for this trend is unknown, however, while the length-of-stay for some adoptable dogs has increased, these animals will stay with the organization until they find their permanent homes," ARL Spokesperson Mike DeFina said.
The ARL also works with national organizations American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States to transport dogs who are at risk of euthanasia because of shelter overcrowding in other parts of the country— all in an effort to find their forever homes.
The MSPCA says its dog-specific housing is at 90 percent capacity.
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