Adoptable Animals over-filling shelters

SOUTH SALT LAKE - As more people lose their homes and jobs in a shaky economy, more pets are showing up at this suburban city's animal shelter.

Some are brought in by tearful owners who can't afford to keep them or who are moving to apartments that don't allow four-legged residents. Others are left at the door at night with a note asking that someone find the animal a good home. Some are simply abandoned in apartments by evicted tenants.

As a result, the South Salt Lake Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams and trying to adopt out its 62 cats and 22 dogs to make room for new arrivals. "There's a lot of animals coming in and a lot not being redeemed. We're thinking it's got to be the economy."

Dogs and cats have filled all the regular cages and overflowed to kennels in the lobby, the playroom and the garage. Some have been there a few days or weeks, while others have been awaiting new homes for months.

Generally, healthy, adoptable animals are not euthanized, said Hyden-Leek.

Autumn Wagner, of No More Homeless Pets in Utah, said her group has so many animals in foster care - including previously adopted pets that have been returned - that it has stopped going to shelters to pick up more. Volunteers already are taking care of more than 100 cats and 30 dogs, she said.

"We've gotten a lot of returns because people are moving, and they're moving to places that don't allow animals," Wagner said. "A lot of returns are people who are suffering economically."

Ladybug, a basset hound, was returned recently by a family that adopted her five years ago but was moving and couldn't afford to keep her, she said. Cats Wyatt and Coco are in the same bind, brought back by a woman who no longer had the ability to support them after six years of ownership.

And Wiggles, a tan pitbull that had been previously adopted, showed up at the door by himself earlier this month. The owner could not be traced, and the dog is available once again...

THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE USA! PLEASE VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME &/OR ANY OTHER RESOURCES THAT YOU CAN. THIS IS A PROBLEM WE CREATED & OUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS ARE PAYING THE ULTIMATE PRICE.

If you would like more information on how you can help, please visit: http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_10007591 (Article)
http://www.ssl.state.ut.us/animal/animal.html (Animal Shelter)