The MSPCA is warning of “an unfolding crisis” in the spiking number of dogs having to be killed nationwide, with as many as 150,000 dogs in danger of being put down now in overpopulated shelters.
In an effort to help combat these numbers, the animal organization intends to host a series of special adoption events this summer to get not only local stray and surrendered dogs into new homes, but also those which will be moved to Massachusetts from other states.
Citing Shelter Animals Count, which tracks animal shelter data across the country, the MSPCA-Angell said in a news release Wednesday that euthanasia in dogs increased by 39% in the United States last year — up from 93,697 in 2021 to 129,850 in 2022.
The MSPCA-Angell added early data suggests this upward trend is continuing this year.
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Among the factors driving the trends are fewer adopters, economic instability and a nationwide veterinary shortage, the MSPCA-Angell said, adding this is leading to overpopulation at shelters which puts more dogs at “high-risk” of euthanasia.
In response to these trends, the MSPCA said it has an “ambitious goal” of placing 2,500 dogs into adoptive homes by the fall, with its first summer adoption event to be held June 12-18.
During these events, adoption fees will be waived for all large-breed dogs 1 year old or older. The MSPCA said it is able to offer these free adoptions thanks to donors.
Two other dog-specific adoption events will take place across its network of four adoption centers in July and August.
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Currently, the MSPCA has 142 dogs in its care across its adoption centers in Boston, Methuen and Centerville on Cape Cod, as well as at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.
The MSPCA indicated that its dog-specific housing is currently at 90% capacity — emphasizing that these dogs need to be placed into new homes “as soon as possible” in order to allow for the group’s adoption campaign to be successful.
“We’re already taking in 10% more dogs in 2023 versus the same period last year because of an increase in owner surrenders, and we must find creative solutions to ensure these pets have a safe place to go,” said Mike Keiley, the MSPCA-Angell director of adoption centers and programs, in a statement.
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“This crisis is even forcing many shelters that receive transported pets to pause those relocations because they are at or over capacity,” he added.
Keiley said he believes the trends in animal euthanasia are carrying forward into 2023 and that “Without action from the MSPCA and others, as many as 150,000 dogs — or more — could be at risk this year.”
“It’s critical that we’re able to find homes for the dogs in our care so we can help partner shelters save more dogs who would otherwise face euthanasia,” Keiley added.
Those who would like to donate to the cost of caring for the more than 140 dogs currently in the MSPCA’s care and to help more more dogs to safety in Massachusetts can do so on the group’s website.
