Cats and Dogs Needing to Go to Animal Shelters: A Growing Concern and Call for Action

By: Harry Bailey
Supervisor, Artesia Animal Shelter
The Artesia Animal Shelter has long served as a safe haven for homeless, abandoned, and neglected pets. Cats and dogs, in particular, make up the majority of the shelter’s residents. While the dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide care and find loving homes for these animals, the increasing number of pets needing shelter has become a growing concern in our community and surrounding areas.
Several factors contribute to the rising number of cats and dogs entering the shelter. Understanding these causes is essential to developing effective solutions to manage and reduce the strain on our shelter.
1. Overpopulation
One of the most significant challenges is pet overpopulation. Many cats and dogs are not spayed or neutered, leading to unplanned litters. The resulting surplus of animals often exceeds the shelter’s capacity, leaving many pets without homes or adequate resources.
2. Abandonment
Some pets are abandoned by their owners, often due to life circumstances such as moving, financial hardship, or a lack of willingness to care for the animal. This issue is particularly prevalent in areas where pet owners may not fully understand the responsibilities and commitment required for pet ownership.
3. Owner Surrenders
In some cases, pet owners facing personal challenges or significant life changes choose to surrender their pets to the shelter. Common reasons include job loss, financial strain, the arrival of a new baby, or relocating to a home that does not allow pets. Unfortunately, owner surrenders contribute to shelter overcrowding.
4. Stray Animals
Both urban and rural areas face issues with stray animals. These animals may have been lost, abandoned, or born on the streets, leading to a difficult existence without proper care or shelter. The Artesia Animal Shelter plays a critical role in providing these animals with a chance at survival and a potential forever home.
The Impact of Overcrowding
Overcrowding is a serious issue for the shelter. Despite its best efforts, the shelter is not equipped to handle an ever-growing population of animals. When the shelter reaches capacity, animals may face the possibility of euthanasia, particularly if they are not adopted within a certain timeframe. The stress of living in a confined environment can also negatively affect the animals’ physical and mental health. Additionally, the shelter’s staff often faces emotional and physical strain while trying to manage these challenges.
How the Community Can Help
Our community plays a vital role in alleviating the pressure on the animal shelter. Here are some ways to make a difference:
1. Adopt, Don’t Shop
One of the most direct ways to reduce the number of animals in the shelter is by adopting. By choosing to adopt rather than purchasing from breeders, you can provide a loving home to a pet in desperate need.
2. Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering are crucial in preventing the overpopulation of cats and dogs. This simple procedure can significantly reduce the number of unplanned litters and help control the pet population.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Shelters rely on volunteers to assist with animal care and daily operations. Donating food, supplies, or funds can also make a significant difference in improving the lives of both the animals and the shelter staff.
4. Support Legislation
Advocating for policies that promote responsible pet ownership, such as mandatory spaying and neutering, supporting no-kill shelter initiatives, and reducing pet overpopulation, can create lasting changes.
A Call to Action
The increasing need for animal shelter services reflects broader issues, including overpopulation, resource limitations, and the challenges of responsible pet ownership. While shelters like the Artesia Animal Shelter play a critical role, the responsibility to make a difference ultimately lies with the community, individuals, and local government.
By adopting pets, spaying and neutering, volunteering, and supporting your local shelter, we can collectively ensure that fewer cats and dogs are left without homes.
I invite you to visit the Artesia Animal Shelter at 502 N. Paddywagon Way to meet our animals and learn how you can help. If you prefer to browse from the comfort of your home, you can view our available pets at
www.artesiaanimalshelter.org
Harry Bailey is the Supervisor for the Artesia Animal Shelter. He can be reached at: 575-746-5043 or at hbailey@atesianm.gov