in all my infinite wisdom

Category: Exploited for Profit

Horrifying Animal Shelter Statistics in 2022

By Emma - January 9, 2022  https://pawsomeadvice.com/pets/animal-shelter-statistics/

Animal shelter statistics are a bit tough to read. But if we all understand what’s going on, our hearts might reach out to help those in need. 

If you’re someone who wants to contribute more to their community, volunteering at a local shelter is a great way to start. 

You can also adopt an animal. While it’s a big responsibility, it can also bring much-needed love and light into your home. But first, you should get a better idea of what happens in animal shelters.

Little Known Animal Shelter Statistics in 2022

  • Around 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year.
  • Annually, 6.5 million animals enter US shelters.
  • About three million shelter animals are euthanized in the US every year.
  • Five states are responsible for 50% of shelter euthanasia. 
  • The US boasts more than 2,000 no-kill shelters.
  • In 2019, Delaware became the first no-kill shelter state.
  • There are around 70 million stray animals in the US.
  • Only one out of every ten dogs will find a permanent home.
  • 88% of pets living in underserved communities aren’t spayed or neutered.
  • In 2015, 36% of abandoned animals were taken to a shelter.

Animal Shelter Stats

1. Each Year, 6.5 Animals Enter US Shelters

(Source: ASPCA)

  • Among them are 3.3 million pups and 3.2 million cats. 
  • In 2011, the number of dogs brought to shelters was 3.9 million.
  • Between 2011–2015, there was a 700,000 decrease in pets taken to shelters.

So, the numbers are declining, and that’s not the only good news.

2. Around 3.2 Million Shelter Animals Get Adopted Each Year

(Source: ASPCA)

  • Animal shelter adoption statistics show cats and pups each take up 1.6 million adoptions.
  • Surprisingly, around 710,000 animals that enter shelters are returned to their owners. That’s why pet owners must take the proper measures and avoid losing their furry friends. Some options are microchipping or a wireless dog fence.
  • According to the shelter population estimates, as many as 48% of dogs and 50% of cats are adopted.

But what happens to the rest? 

Animal Shelter Euthanasia Statistics

Unfortunately, as hopeful as pet adoption stats are, shelters have to euthanize many animals due to lack of space, food, and funding.

3. Every Year, About Three Million Shelter Animals Are Euthanized In the US

(Source: Humane Society)

  • As many as 70% of cats in shelters are euthanized
  • Animal shelter cat stats show 80% of them are healthy and treatable.
  • Less than 10% of shelter animals suffer from issues that are impossible to cure.

If you think that’s a lot, in 1984, the number of animals killed in shelters was 17 million.

Every Year, About Three Million Shelter Animals Are Euthanized In the US

4. Five States Are Responsible For 50% Of Shelter Euthanasia 

(Source: Best friends)

  • Those states are Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. Each has its own set of euthanasia statistics, but 75% of animals killed in California are cats. In Texas, it’s equally spread between dogs and cats.
  • Still, 85% of Americans feel they prefer to have stray community cats than to let shelters catch and euthanize the animals.
  • Between 10%–12% of the general population provides food for stray cats. 

All hope is not lost. In some areas, people save hundreds of thousands of animals. 

No Kill Animal Shelter Facts

These shelters must have a 90% save rate for consideration. 

5. There Are Over 2,000 No-Kill Shelters in the US

(Source: Pet Plus Mag)

  • So, 44% of all US shelters are no-kill. In 2018, they were 29%.
  • Unfortunately, no-kill communities make up only 35% nationally.
  • Best Friends is on a mission to make euthanasia in shelters a thing of the past by 2025.

Animal shelter statistics by state show that there’s even an entirely no-kill state.

6. In 2019, Delaware Became the First US No-Kill Shelter State

(Source: NY Daily News)

  • In 2019, the state received 12,800 animals and saved 11,900.
  • Delaware approves of the trap/neuter/spay program that saves thousands of cats from euthanasia. 
  • The Brandywine Valley SPCA takes in 60% of the state’s homeless animals. The organization truly pushes the adopt don’t shop initiative, and it has paid off.

Although some dog euthanasia rates by state are worrying, hearing such stories makes the pawsome team happy, and we support all efforts to aid helpless animals.

Are there different types of animal shelters?

There is a common misunderstanding that all shelters are funded by some sort of government body or taxpayers dollars. While some are municipal shelters, it isn’t the majority. 

So, when there isn’t a free handout, thats where private shelters come in. These shelters sometimes partner with municipal locations to help take the load off. 

Independent shelters run solely on donations and fundraising. Most shelters in the US fall under this category and only remain open from the good deeds of their neighbors.

As many as 70% of cats in shelters are euthanized. 

Animal Homelessness Statistics

But why do pets end up in shelters? The answer isn’t what you’d think.

7. There Are Around 70 Million Stray Animals in the US

(Source: One Green Planet)

  • Surprisingly, one of the main reasons animals end up in shelters is because owners surrender them. The other reason is that they’re picked up by animal control on the streets.
  • Owners reclaim up to 30% of shelter dogs. Still, you should consider our pet safety guide to avoid losing your furry pal.
  • Only 10% of animals taken to shelters are spayed or neutered, which only adds to the animal shelter overpopulation statistics.

That’s why initiatives working to have animals spayed and neutered are vital. It’s more than a way to slow down population issues. It also reduces animal breeding for the wrong reasons.

8. Only One Out of Every Ten Dogs Will Find a Permanent Home

(Source: Do Something) 

  • 25% of all dogs that enter shelters are purebred. You can do a mixed-breed DNA test to find out more about your dog’s breed. 
  • It’s impossible to figure out the exact amount of homeless animals in the US. Besides, animal shelter statistics show they could be missing around 70 million stray cats.
  • Unfortunately, cat euthanasia rates can be significantly higher because their adoption rates are lower. But more on that a bit later.

Remember that shelters require a lot of money to keep their doors open. 

Animal Shelter Funding Statistics

Funding for shelters comes from the government and many different organizations. Let’s see how much money it takes.

9. Between 2008–2017, the ASPCA Provided $100 Million in Grants 

(Source: ASPCA)

  • Those funds helped over 3000 animal shelters, government agencies, sanctuaries, and rescue groups. 
  • A healthy dog costs a shelter $200 for vet wellness checks and vaccines alone. That doesn’t include a bed, food, or any of the other basic pup needs.
  • Adopting a dog is a massive responsibility. Still, pet owners statistics show the US is the biggest dog-loving country globally with 89.7 million dogs.

Pet Adoption Statistics

Now that we know the basics let’s have a look at what percentage of pets are adopted.

10. 61% Of Pet Households Care for More Than One Animal

(Source: The Humane Society of the United States)

  • In 2020, 19% of all dogs came from a shelter. Also, 26% of owned cats in the US were from animal shelters. 
  • Between 2019–2020, stray cats in shelters had the lowest percentage since 2015 — only 21%. Between 2017–2018, it was 32%.
  • While Covid-19 has been difficult, it did have a positive impact on adoption rates. Between April–May 2020, researching animal adoption increased by 250% worldwide. While pup adoptions searches have decreased, searches for kitties have remained remarkably higher than in previous years

It’s not only the animal shelter stats we need to look at. Strays and abandoned animals make up much of the animal population.

Between 2008–2017, the ASPCA Provided $100 Million in Grants 

11. 88% of Pets Living in Underserved Communities Aren’t Spayed or Neutered

(Source: The Humane Society of the United States)

  • Stray dogs facts show that between 2019–2020, only 5% of all pups taken off the street were strays.
  • Unfortunately, stray kittens between 0–6 months have only a 25% survival rate. At least by the time they reach adulthood, the number rises to 70%.
  • A cat older than 18 months has an adoption rate of only 60%, while it’s 82% for a kitten.

It’s such a shame that animal abandonment facts aren’t more promising.

12. In 2015, Shelters Received 36% of Abandoned Animals

(Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

  • A further 14% were dropped off at a vet.
  • But that’s not all. 11% of abandoned animals were given to strangers
  • Only 1% were set free to fend for themselves.

So, as bad as some of the animal shelter statistics are, we can be grateful that shelters are there to begin with. 

Animal Shelter Volunteer Statistics

Shelters would be nothing without their amazing volunteers that dedicate time, effort, and financial contributions to help save more animals.

13. In 2016, 2,546 Volunteers Provided 175,000 Hours of Support to Needy Animals 

(Source: Animal Humane Society)

  • In the same year, 376 volunteered and became foster parents to over 3,000 animals before their adoption. If you’re thinking of fostering have a look at how to take care of a pup.
  • In 2016, the Animal Humane Society received $6.5 million.
  • Additionally, donors’ estate plans provided over $2.4 million.

The Animal Humane Society is one of many that contribute to the declining United States animal shelter statistics. But it’s not just the shelters that receive benefits.

14. Volunteering Can Help Fight Depression and Anxiety

(Source: CCSPCA)

  • We know being around animals has a good impact on us. There are even pups prescribed to help people with mental health issues. So, both you and the shelter animals can benefit from each other
  • Plus, you won’t have to wait and see the results. The animals you work with will change dramatically as soon as they receive the love and care they deserve.
  • You can also learn a lot from volunteer work — civic responsibility, time management, and the vital impact of helping others.

Volunteer where you can, and help out animals that might not get another chance to feel what it’s like to be cared for.

While Covid-19 has been hard on most people, it did open up free time for volunteers to help out more often. 

COVID-19 Impact on Animal Shelter Population Statistics

The pandemic opened up a whole lot of homes for shelter animals. Since most started working from home, they finally had the opportunity to get a pet. 

15. Between 2019–2020, There Was a 25.1% Decrease in Shelter Surrender by Owners.

(Source: Pawlytics)

  • Shelter euthanasia dropped by 44.6% in the same period. 
  • Amazingly, in 2021, shelter euthanasia dropped by 53.9%, compared to 2019.
  • Adoption rates between 2019–2021 increased by 4.6%, adding to the live outcomes for shelter animals which increased from 85% in 2019 to 89.3% in 2021.

As you can see, whichever way you slice it. The animal shelter population is seeing a decrease in bad outcomes. We attribute this to additional volunteers, more adoptions, and a serious increase in those helping strays in their area.

Wrap Up

We’ve learned a lot about national animal shelter statistics. 

You now know that 6.5 million animals enter US shelters each year. Out of those, about 3.2 million get adopted. Unfortunately, another three million are euthanized.

Still, no-kill shelters are on the rise. Delaware even became the first no-kill state in the US.

You can do a lot to help lower the animal shelter statistics even further. Consider donating, volunteering, or fundraising money for your local shelter.

FAQ

How long do animals stay in shelters before being put down?

It depends on the state you’re in. Also, not all animals are euthanized. Overall, the average period before an animal is adopted, euthanized, or sold is between five to seven days, but it can be as short as 48–72 hours. The time laws are in place so owners can find their lost animals.

How many animals are abused each year?

Over one million animals are hurt, killed, or abused during episodes of domestic violence. What’s more, there’s a strong correlation between people who are violent towards their partner and their animals. The police even use animal abuse to help find individuals that could be a danger to society. 

What happens to animals in shelters?

An animal is first brought there by the owners, a good samaritan, or animal control. The shelter will care for it, but if the owners don’t come to get it, the animal will be housed, fed, and loved by employees and volunteers. Unfortunately, they can only do this for a limited time because of overcrowding. That’s why you should always consider adoption. 

Did Covid-19 impact adoption rates?

Looking at U.S. pet ownership statistics, adoptions increased dramatically during the pandemic, peaking between April–May 2020. Online searches for animal adoption increased by 250%. While dog adoptions have slowly declined down to pre-pandemic numbers. Cat adoptions have remained substantially higher.

How many animals are euthanized each year?

It’s the most challenging part of working in a shelter. Close to three million animals are euthanized there each year. Some of it is due to legitimate medical reasons or an animal getting too old. But others are mercy killings. Certain animals have such a small chance of adoption that they’d spend much of their life in a cage, never knowing what having a family is like. That’s another big reason why more people should consider adoption.

How old do you have to be to volunteer at an animal shelter?

Usually, the age limit is 16 years and older, but each shelter will have its own protocol. So, we recommend doing your research to find out more. If you’re younger, they may require a legal guardian to sign off on it. 

How to volunteer at an animal shelter?

Animal shelters don’t just need financial help. Volunteering your time is also a great way to help them out. Call your local rescue organizations or shelters, and see what they need. It usually involves feeding, cleaning, and playing with the animals. 

How to help animal shelters?

Financial contributions are what keeps animal shelters going. If you can’t personally donate money, then starting a funding program is also an option. Perhaps you can even organize a garage sale of items you no longer use and donate the profits to help lower the animal shelter statistics. 

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Live Export is Cruel and Heinous

#BANLIVEEXPORT

Blogger opinion: I always use root cause analysis for every problem/issue and if you could read this post in its entirety and continue in what is the root of this, eating meat and being part of the supply and demand for animals flesh there is something very wrong within your soul.

most of the information on this post borrowed from animalsaustralia.org Please support them.

What’s it like on board a live export ship?

What's it like on board a live export ship?

An experienced live export vet has given ABC’s 7.30 a glimpse into the conditions endured by animals on live export ships — and it’s not a pretty picture.

Animals at this stocking density are not able to all lie down at onceIn addition to the stress of the unfamiliar environment, noise, and constant ship movement, at the typical high stocking density of a long haul voyage, it is not usually possible for all animals to lie down naturally at the same time. Stocking densities allowed by Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) are much higher than any land-based feedlot or intensive housing system.

BEDDING

Not enough sawdust is provided for all animals to have soft bedding to lie on

Adequate sawdust or other soft bedding to rest on is not available to cattle on board a live export ship. Some sawdust provisions are required but they are not nearly sufficient, leaving animals traveling on hard, non-slip surfaces which can often result in painful abrasions, lameness, and injury. Australian standards only indicate that bedding should be replaced “as necessary” leaving this decision in the hands of exporters.

FECES
Animals are often coated with faeces by the end of the journey

The build-up of wet feces on live export ships can lead to cattle becoming coated in excrement. Apart from being distressing and unhygienic, fecal coated cattle cannot dispel heat through their body surface and are at greater risk of heat stress.

HEAT

Changes in temperature can cause suffering and death for animals

Heat stress is a constant risk on live export ships. Animals suffering from heat stress literally cook from the inside out — they can suffer for days as their organs shut down one by one. In 2013, more than 4,000 Australian sheep died on board the Bader III as temperatures in the Gulf soared — turning the ship they were traveling on into a floating oven. 

DISCOMFORT

Non-slip cleating makes for an uncomfortable surface for animals to lie on
Ship floors are often covered in non-slip ‘cleating’ (as pictured) which doesn’t allow sheep and cattle to rest comfortably. This can cause abrasions and lameness which may lead to septicemia.

INJURIES

Non-slip cleating makes for an uncomfortable surface for animals to lie on
This animal has slipped and is unable to rise. His hind legs are covered in abrasions and left hoof appears to be bloodied. Hoof damage, painful skin abrasions, and lameness are common onboard live export vessels due to the abrasive deck surface and inadequate drainage.

Not enough sawdust is provided for all animals to have soft bedding to lie on
Cattle are also at risk of injury from slipping into open drain holes in the ship’s deck which drain water and fecal matter into the deck below.

INFECTION

Open wounds are at risk of infection
Untreated, open wounds are at risk of infection and septic cellulitis from exposure to feces and urine. Skin abrasions often go unnoticed as they are covered by fecal matter. Infections can be so painful that an animal will refuse to rise, which in turn stops them from feeding and drinking and leaves them lying in their own feces.

DISEASE

Animals are at high risk of disease

High stocking densities, high levels of ammonia, and the stressful and unfamiliar conditions onboard ships can result in animals failing to eat (resulting in death), eye infections, heat stress, salmonellosis, and pneumonia.

FOOD AND WATER CONTAMINATION

Contaminated food and water can lead to animals not eating and drinking properly
Dirty pens filled with dirty cattle unsurprisingly lead to dirty water and feed troughs, contaminated with urine and feces. This can result in animals suffering from dehydration and not getting enough food.

ROUGH SEAS

Rough seas increase risk of injury and sickness
Rough seas and unexpected weather put animals at increased risk of injury and seasickness.


Anything could go wrongMechanical failure In 2014, the livestock ship Ocean Drover caught fire.

Live export has a history of disasters that have been devastating for animals – ventilation problems, engine failure and even fire have caused suffering and fatalities. Every journey runs the risk of something going wrong and animals are the ones to pay the price.

FATIGUE

Animals are at risk of being smothered when they fall asleep
Cattle have been known to lie down for long periods of time when the decks are cleaned and new sawdust is laid. Dr. Simpson states this is a result of exhaustion and fatigue from animals reluctant to lie down in their own feces not getting sufficient respite. Due to the lack of space onboard, animals are at risk of being smothered, injured, or repeatedly disturbed by others as they attempt to rest.

BIRTHING

Animals born at sea are generally euthanised
This calf’s mother was pregnant when she boarded a ship to Mauritius. She was killed immediately after she was born.

Animals are often not properly tested for pregnancy before boarding and that has led to cows and ewes giving birth at sea. Animals who go into labour on live export ships are not often given the additional space and care that they need, and their young may be trampled or injured. As the calves or lambs will likely be killed (usually for commercial reasons) the new mothers’ risk of mastitis is significantly increased.

DEATH

Mortalities on board can be in the hundreds
This animal weighed more than 700 kg and should never have been loaded on a live export vessel. He wore down his toes, knees and joints so much that he eventually refused to stand and was euthanised.

Australian standards specify that no animal weighing more than 650 kg should be loaded on board a live export vessel. But some exporters have ignored these guidelines and loaded heavier animals, like the bull pictured, risking their lives. In Dr Simpson’s report to the government, she warned that any animal over 500 kg has an increased risk of injury. 

Incredibly, government regulations allow a mortality rate of 2% of sheep and 1% of cattle on every voyage — which means hundreds, if not thousands, of animals can die at sea without any investigation into the cause.

shadow

This industry entails unnecessary pain and suffering for all the animals involved within it. Anyone who tells you different is either ill-informed, they’re a liar or they’re staying silent for fear of losing their job.

Dr Lynn Simpson, veterinarian

For as long as this cruel trade in living beings exists — we remain as committed as ever to sparing animals from falling victim to it. Will you join us?

Please spare 1 minute now to lend your voice to the animals — and help create a world free from the horror of live export.

Take action now »

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Dear Trump Supporters

Written by Lachlan

Trump’s taxes have finally been leaked. And wouldn’t you know it, he’s a total fake. He’s not a billionaire. He’s 421 million dollars in debt and is about to get foreclosed on. I pay more taxes than Donald Trump and so do you. Because he’s losing so much money, he’s paid zero in federal taxes 10 of the last 15 years. Two of the years he did pay it was less than 1,000 bucks. He’s been living off credit and hot air. It was all a scam. Just like his college, just like is charity, and just like his political career.

You were so easy for him to scam. He knew you’d be impressed with of all of his boasting. He knew you’d never spot the difference. He knew he’d win you over by taking advantage of your ignorance, your fears, your insecurity, your racism, and your ethnocentrism. You were like shooting fish in a barrel for him. He’s convinced you the real news is fake, and the fake news is real. He has you cheering for authoritarianism over democracy. He has you scared and fearful of your neighbors but not of COVID-19. He actually convinced you that he is a Christian.

As a former top aide to Vice President Pence just revealed, he thinks you are “disgusting”. He’s not just a fraud, he’s a criminal. He’s everything he convinced you that Hillary Clinton was four years ago. He’s the one who deserves to be in prison and soon he likely will be. He’s not a Republican and he’s not a Democrat. He’s not a conservative and he’s not a liberal. He’s human trash looking for suckers to take advantage of. And my goodness did he ever find a willing group of suckers. You should be ashamed of yourself. I know people who voted for him in 2016 and quickly realized they made a mistake. But not you, not you. You dug in. You doubled down.

You embraced Russian style propaganda over the American free press. You embraced conspiracy theories over science and reality. He’s lied to you over 22,000 times since taking office and you never batted an eye. He’s made a fool of this nation. I imagine Trump and his propaganda news outlets will attempt to continue the scam, at least for another six weeks.

I also imagine some of you, through some unimaginable mental gymnastics, will continue to allow yourself to get scammed. But Trump is going down on November 3 and the American justice system will come after him and his cronies. I may be nice to you on the street but do know that you absolutely let this country down. You allowed our republic to get damaged in ways never seen. In the process you exposed some incredibly ugly things about yourself I just can’t forget. Thanks for reading!

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Baboon refuses to leave her dead baby that was hit by a car

In the video, the poor mom, a baboon, – can be seen staring at the battered and bloody corpse of her baby where he lies in the road.

The monkey then runs her hands through the youngster’s tail, picking off parasites as if her baby might still be alive.

Seeming confused, she then pulls the baby monkey close to her chest, but its lifeless body does not cling to her to be carried as it had so many times before.

Speeding driver blamed after three impalas found dead in Kruger Park

27 December 2019 – 13:36

Three impala were thought to be knocked down by a speeding vehicle in the Kruger National Park. Stock image.

The Kruger National Park has expressed its shock following the discovery of three dead impalas.

The buck “seemed to be knocked down by a speeding vehicle,” said park authorities on Friday.

“We call upon anyone who might have seen this incident to please come forward with information.”

The speed limit in the Kruger is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Visitors to the park are routinely asked to be on the lookout while driving and to always give animals the right of way. Cage set up to help capture leopard at Kruger National Park camping site SanParks says there has been no sign of the young leopard which entered a camping site at the Kruger National Park on Wednesday eveningNEWS1 week ago

“We continue to urge visitors to observe the rules of the park and keep to the speed limit at all times. One animal killed is one too many,” said park officials.

A month ago, a tourist was killed and three others injured when a giraffe was hit by a vehicle carrying 13 passengers. It then fell onto a rented safari vehicle driven by the Swiss tourist, crushing the roof. The giraffe died on impact. The tourist was critically injured and later died in the hospital.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said at the time that authorities had changed a case of reckless and negligent driving against the driver of the minibus that hit the giraffe to one of culpable homicide after the death of the tourist, identified by police as Roland Koller.

In May, a bakkie and a car literally gate-crashed their way into the Kruger Park within the space of just two hours. The first crash at the Paul Kruger Gate happened at 9pm. The second happened at 11pm.

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