More pets given to shelters in recession
Tuesday, August 11th, 2009
The recession is not just causing people to lose their jobs and homes, they're also giving up their pets. The numbers of dogs and cats turned into local shelters continues to increase.
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The summer tends to be a busy time for shelters. Kittens are born and few people think of adopting a new pet if they're planning a vacation. At the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society no-kill animal shelter in old city, adoption supervisor Alison Lamont shows off a pitbull mix named Cookie, who wags her tail at the slightest bit of attention.
Lamont: Could possibly be the sweetest dog ever, she would do well in a home with adults, with kids, loves everyone she's met so far and she's ready to go.
The Pennsylvania SPCA, which runs the Philadelphia's animal control, reports the number of pets dropped off at city shelters has been steadily increasing since 2008.
Director Susan Cosby says shelters should be a last resort for anyone who can no longer care for their pets. But, she says, shelters should be the first option for those looking to adopt.
Would it be cheaper for the state to issue Pet food stamps to low income people or unemployed people to feed their pets instead of taking them to a shelter? If the shelters are over-run, why not issue food stamps? It would save so many pets from being abandoned by their owners.
Fantastic !!! I applaud you. As a lifelong animal lover, I am saddened by the fact that people have to make the decision to part with a family member because of loss of income, money shortage, and other real money issues. Food stamps are the only way many seniors have to put food on their table. Food stamps do NOT cover pet food. Many lonely people have only their pets for companionship and are forced to part with a dear friend. I am a greeter at a large box store and see a lot of this going on. We need help