As the economy continues to take its time to turn around, more and more pet owners are forced to choose between caring for their families and caring for their pets. Animal shelters, veterinarians and other pet experts are seeing a growing trend of what some are calling the “economic euthanasia” of pets, as many are opting to have their family pets put to sleep because they are unable to financially care for them anymore.
Because of the current economic conditions, pet owners are being forced to make difficult and even painful choices where their pets are concerned; choices that include anything from giving their pet away to friends or family, surrendering their pet to a local animal shelter or having their pets euthanized.
Vets See Economic Euthanasia On The Rise
In vet hospitals, particularly those who offer emergency services, there is a steady rise in pets being brought in who need to be euthanized because of extensive injury or terminal illness. While this may not be an alarming fact, what IS disturbing is the number of animals being euthanized because owners are no longer able to care for them.
The Flip Side of Economic Euthanasia
Still some pet owners are choosing another method of dealing with their pet’s injuries and illnesses, both common and terminal. Something even more bizarre than having the animal put down: they are choosing, instead, to take their pet home without having it treated at all. And the reason for this behavior? Financial difficulties.
Shelters and Humane Societies are Seeing More Owner Surrenders
Heritage Humane Society in Williamsburg, Virginia, for example, is just one of the many groups seeing a vast increase in owner surrenders. Just one day in November saw thirteen owner surrenders versus fourteen in the entire month of January. Still need further proof of this ever-increasing situation? The HHS manages to adopt between 80 and 90 animals per month – but has an intake of an average of 115. I’m no math wizard but this adds up to a huge problem that must be solved quickly.
What Can Be Done?
Plenty! These animals don’t need to be separated from their families and they certainly don’t need to be euthanized because of a family’s financial situation. More needs to be done to stress responsible pet ownership. More needs to be done to stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Local animal shelters, humane societies and other animal welfare agencies need to do more to offer resources for families who are truly in need.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to be a responsible pet owner. If your family is already suffering from the current economic downturn, don’t add to the stress by bringing a four-legged mouth to feed into your home and hope you can rely on others to help you keep it. This is a recipe for disaster and the animal will end up in a local shelter or worse. Choose your pets wisely. If there is a chance you are going to move to a place that doesn’t welcome pets, begin working with your local humane society to have your pet re-homed.
The point I am trying to make here is this: you HAVE options. Your pet didn’t ask to be put into this situation and he or she shouldn’t have to suffer from consequences of which they have no control.
Animal Rescue Superhighway 