A Philadelphia animal shelter is euthanizing dogs due to a lack of space. Now, the shelter is asking for the community’s help.
Overcrowded shelter euthanizing dogs
According to NBC 10 Philadelphia, ACCT Philly has over 130 dogs in its shelter. Due to space restrictions, the shelter is euthanizing dogs.
The shelter has been inundated with surrenders lately. In September, 1,700 animals came to the shelter. Many of the pet surrenders are due to people facing housing issues, including landlord conflicts, relocations, and evictions.
“The last three days we have literally had to walk up and down the kennels to pull dogs to be euthanized for no reason but lack of space,” ACCT Philly Executive Director Sarah Barnett told the news outlet. “We usually try to timestamp animals, to give rescues and the public the chance to help those who are most urgent, but with space not every dog is getting that chance to live. It’s heartbreaking.”
As part of the Bissell Empty the Shelters promotion, ACCT Philly is making all animals available for adoption for only $10. The adoption fee includes vaccinations, microchips, and spay or neuter surgery. That promotion ends Oct. 15.
If you can’t adopt a pet, there are still ways to help this overcrowded shelter. The best way to avoid euthanasia is to keep dogs out of shelters in the first place.
So, consider fostering, volunteering, or simply donating. Secondly, if you find a stray animal, try posting a notice online and canvassing the neighborhood. See if you can find the pet’s parent rather than taking the dog directly to a shelter. Thirdly, if your pet is missing, post an announcement online or visit the shelter. It’s possible your dog has already been found and is taking up much-needed shelter space. Finally, help prevent lost pets by ensuring your pet wears identification and gets a microchip.
Why overcrowded shelters turn to euthanasia
No one wants to euthanize a dog, but unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures. Shelters reluctantly turn to euthanizing dogs in cases of overcrowding primarily because of the limitations in their available resources and space. These facilities operate on tight budgets and often struggle to accommodate an ever-increasing influx of homeless dogs. To ensure the welfare of animals, they face the agonizing choice of euthanasia. Overcrowding jeopardizes the shelter’s ability to provide adequate care, leading to health and behavioral issues among the dogs.
Euthanasia becomes a last-resort measure to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent further harm. This underscores the dire importance of responsible pet parenthood, spaying or neutering, and adoption, as the welfare of these animals hinges on our collective efforts to alleviate the strain on shelters and save lives.
