Dallas animal shelters are over capacity, and that means more animals are having to be put down.
But if higher occupation numbers that can lead to more euthanization are a perennial summer problem, they also represent an opportunity for Dallasites to work together.
General overpopulation is a big contributor to the problem, and summer brings puppy and kitten season with it. Lack of attention to city rules has an effect as well. Animals must be spayed or neutered and kept on a leash or in a closed space, otherwise they can contribute further to overpopulation.
And then there are animals involved in cruelty investigations that also need to be housed somewhere. Operation Kindness, a nonprofit that provides assistance for investigations to Dallas free of charge, does help transfer animals in crisis, but it lacks the facilities to house them. Some of these animals must stay in the Dallas shelter.
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When shelters are overcrowded, staff are forced to euthanize animals to free up space. Decisions on euthanization are based on factors like health, behavior and interest in adoption. In March, Dallas Animal Services had to perform 403 euthanizations. That’s 13 per day on average — taxing work emotionally and mentally for workers who have to carry them out.
There are no overnight solutions. While animal services is working towards expanded facilities, this process takes years and requires extensive city involvement and funding.
A more immediate remedy is to increase return-to-owner rates. Many stray dogs are found within a mile or two of their home, but without identifying marks they cannot be returned quickly. Writing a phone number or address on your dog’s collar can be enough, but Operation Kindness and animal services provide free or low-cost microchips for cats and dogs, making them easy to obtain and ensuring pets can be returned.
Dogs above 40 pounds often suffer the longest stays, particularly German shepherds, huskies and pit bull mixes that aren’t as easily adopted. Whether it’s because of challenges caring for them or because many apartment complexes restrict them, these pups represent a large share of shelter occupancy.
Animal shelters are critical, but they aren’t an ideal place for critters to live. Confined spaces can affect mood and behavior, especially in larger and younger dogs.
Fostering is a great option for those who might not be ready to adopt. Interacting with an animal outside the shelter can help you understand them better, explained Mary Martin, assistant director of animal services. In the end, you might even decide to adopt permanently. Animal services provides free supplies for those who foster, including food, puppy pads, cat litter and other supplies.
And if you are ready to adopt, now is a great time, when every available space at the shelter is needed. Even if you’re uncertain, spending some time at the shelter might help you decide. “Come on down and fall in love,” Martin said.
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