In 2023 alone, Great Plains SPCA has experienced a 46% surge in abandoned pets. A staggering realization that speaks to the crisis across the nation. Numerous shelters across the country are struggling with increased animal intakes, fewer adoptions, and pet overpopulation, leaving few options for pet owners who have a desperate need to surrender.
The Heartbreaking Plight of Abandoned Pets
Imagine, for a moment, the sheer terror of being abandoned – locked in a crate or tied to a fence, alone and bewildered, waiting in vain for the return of the humans you once trusted. It’s a scenario that plays out far too often at our shelter, with the victims being beloved pets with nowhere else to go. The staff at Great Plains SPCA have witnessed the abandonment of these animals. Heard their cries in the early morning hours as they call out to their family. Coaxed them from their kennels as they learn to trust in humanity once again.
We understand that these owners are trying to do the right thing. Leaving behind toys, treats, or a letter telling us everything about the pet they had to leave behind. Though our hearts break for these animals, and our kennels are constantly full, we always do our best to pick up the pieces whenever we are needed.
Rising Trends in Shelter Intakes
For many abandoned pets, Great Plains SPCA represents their last chance at a new life. However, our shelter is often operating at max capacity, and shelters like us are experiencing the same scenario.
Nationwide, dogs have seen a 4% increase in intakes during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, with a staggering 15% increase compared to 2021. This alarming trend can be seen not only at Great Plains SPCA, but in all of the shelters in the Kansas City metro that are simply trying to make it through each day. Coupled with the gap of cats and dogs waiting for an outcome reaching 7% according to the Shelter Animal Count Q2 2023 Analysis, shelters across the nation are overcrowded. Fewer animals being adopted means a longer length of stay for those currently in the shelter system, increasing their stress levels and making placement in forever homes even more difficult.
How You Can Help
Animal abandonment is a symptom of the pet overpopulation crisis we are facing in our community, and we need everyone’s help to address this issue. Here are a few ways that you can make a difference:
- Adopt, Don’t Shop: If you’re considering bringing a new pet into your home, choose adoption over purchasing from breeders or pet stores. There are countless loving animals waiting for their forever homes in overcrowded shelters.
- Foster: If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment, consider fostering a pet. Fostering not only provides a temporary home for animals but also helps free up space in overcrowded shelters.
- Volunteer: Shelters are always in need of dedicated volunteers to help care for animals, clean facilities, and provide much-needed attention and socialization.
- Donate: Great Plains SPCA relies on donations to care for our animals. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of homeless pets.
- Spread Awareness: Share the stories of abandoned pets and the challenges faced by shelters on social media. The more people are aware of the issue, the more likely they are to get involved.
Though the statistics look grim, we are dedicated to helping as many animals as we can. Please consider supporting our shelter pets in this crisis.