Kern's euthanization rates rising again - 18,669 animals in 2007

[The Straight Story]

Kern's euthanization rates rising again (Kern county, California)

< snip >

So by mid-2007, animal population growth began to erase the three years of progress the community made to save animals.

Shelter kill numbers have topped last year’s totals by more than 100 animals in each of the months between June 2007 and January 2008.

In all of calendar year 2007, Kern County euthanized 18,669 animals — two of every three in its care. That’s 3,660 more animals than the city of Los Angeles killed last year, despite L.A. having 3 million more people than Kern.

And it’s 498 more than died in 2004-2005.

“We’re being overwhelmed by the growth of our communities and the inadequacy of our current program,” said David Price, director of the agency that oversees animal control.

(*warning* graphic photos at link)

http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/382672.html

That seems like a really high amount (and is actually higher than LA area that has more people).

[anniebelle]

1. When the economy tanks, pets are BIG losers.

People losing their homes are turning their pets over to shelters or worse, turning them out on their own. It's so sad to see this happening across the country. Our shelters are hopelessly full and the workers are stressed trying to deal with all the animals being surrendered by their owners.