Spike in Strays Leads to Overpopulation, Euthanization

Animals are falling prey to the tough economy, leading to a spike in strays across the country including one Oklahoma town.

Sunday, July 12th 2009, 10:54 pm

By: News 9


By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

ARDMORE, Oklahoma -- Animals are falling prey to the tough economy, leading to a spike in strays across the country including one Oklahoma town.

"It's heartbreaking to walk past those doors and see them all back here and they look at you like 'Please help!' and you can't," said Ardmore Animal Shelter volunteer Kathy Germany.

But the helpless feeling doesn't stop Germany from volunteering at the shelter, and her help is needed since a spike in strays is sending more pets to the shelter.

"It's not their fault they're here. It's irresponsible ownership," the shelter volunteer said.

That lack of ownership is overpopulating the shelter. Just this year, about 7,000 pets have been taken in and over half of them have to be euthanized.

"That's a lot of little fluffies and little dogs and little kitties that we have to put to sleep that shouldn't be put to sleep," said Scott Sutherland, a board member for the Ardmore Animal Shelter.

But in the sour economy, people simply can't keep their pets and are leaving their four-legged friends behind.

"They just can't afford it. Sometimes they're moving to a different residence, a different location, maybe they're downsizing. They're going from a house to an apartment," Sutherland said.

What you don't normally see is where these helpless animals eventually end up if they're sick or no one gives them a home.

"This is a 750 pound crematory unit. It's very depressing and it's used every day, every day. And in the summer time, in April, May, June, we will euthanize 40 to 50 a day, 500 a month," Sutherland said. "It's heartbreaking because this is our fault. This is the fault of human beings for not being responsible pet owners, for not tagging your dog, for not spay or neutering your dog, for not seeing to it that your dog is on a leash or fenced backyard."

"I love animals and there needs to be more people like me to take care of them, because that's what life is about, taking care of each other," Germany said.

Those at the shelter say they can't emphasize how important it is to spay or neuter your pets.

Learn more about adoption and how you can help the Ardmore Animal Shelter. The shelter is located at 321 Carol Brown Blvd. in Ardmore. They are open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also call the shelter for more information, 580-223-7070.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

July 12th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024