THE US REPORT

by Rebecca Day, TUSR contributor

As the economy continues to falter, journalists, economists and others continue to document how hard times are. However, a problem often overlooked during these tough times is the issue of misplaced or stray animals. [Continues below photo.]

We found this cat hiding in shrubbery in our back yard in Northeast Florida. She was starving. The cat is very tame, so she isn't feral. Do you know someone who lost this cat? Email the editor if you do..
Pets are wandering the streets in search of food and shelter more and more due to various irresponsible actions by their previous owners. Just in the past month, our family has personally crossed paths with two mistreated animals, one of which we could keep, the other of which we sadly can’t. Though our farm of misplaced and neglected animals began with the odd addition of our chicken, Ms. Chickie a few years ago, in the past month, our pet population has grown with the introduction of Rusty, our mini-schnauzer. And a few weeks after he made himself comfortable, we found a very domesticated stray cat hiding in the shrubbery in our backyard.

The cat is beautiful, and she needs a loving home. Because the kitty has possible health problems and an intense need for a loving family, our family began to weigh different options. While taking the cat to an animal shelter leaves us with the eerie possibility of her being euthanized in the back of our minds, we also feel that trying to find a home for a sick, adult cat would be a tricky task.

Many Americans face this type of situation each year when they find themselves with a stray animal they cannot take care of. Because so many people are dumping animals due to financial problems, more and more animals are either ending up in shelters or roaming the streets looking for food.

And while 6 to 8 million dogs and cats end up in shelters each year, and 3 to 4 million are euthanized, studies suggest that due to current tough economic times, even more animals are now being abandoned.

A recent survey from petfinder.com said, “84 percent of shelters and rescue groups are reporting pet surrenders because of the economic downturn, foreclosures, and/or job losses.” The survey also said 74% of the shelters and rescue groups are seeing an increase in pets abandoned or ultimately given away since the previous year due to economic hardships.

Though these statistics are hard to shake for many people, they aren’t enough for the many Americans that participate in abandoning animals every year. Though economic times are tough, understand that there are options for every person out there experiencing a tough situation with a pet. Americans are definitely going through financial crises right now. But just because a person is experiencing a downturn, it doesn’t remove his or her responsibility for a pet.

Websites that may help you find your local animal shelter or find a pet to adopt include
Pets911.com and Petfinder.com.

 
As economy continues to falter, pets hard hit too
by Rebecca Day
The US Report (Jul. 14, 2009)