Adopting a pet was a lifesaver for many people isolated during the pandemic. Two years later, many animal shelters, including those in Albuquerque, face crisis-level intakes with decreased adoptions.

Carolyn Ortega, director of animal welfare for the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, said despite a Black Friday event, which saw 157 of 900 animals adopted, about 55 new animals are surrendered each day, making it difficult to keep up.

The problem started with the pandemic, according to Ortega, when almost three million neuter/spay surgeries were not performed.

"Which basically caused a domino effect," Ortega explained. "Resulting in multiple litters being born in 2020 and 2021, so we're seeing the results of that."

She noted some animals have been at the Albuquerque shelter for six months to a year, which can cause them to develop emotional or behavioral problems.

Research shows 75% of people surrendering animals are not doing so because of a behavioral issue or because they do not want the pet. Ortega stressed right now, a downturn in the economy is a contributing factor because many are downsizing from homes to apartments.

"Some of the larger dogs are being brought in because they don't have the yard space anymore that they had with the home," Ortega pointed out. "Or the apartment that they're moving into has such a high deposit for anyone who's bringing in an animal."

The Albuquerque animal shelters will participate in a "Holiday Happiness" adoption event this weekend, Friday through Sunday. Ortega added adoption fees, vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter services will all be free.

"They get a first dog training, and then their first vet visit is paid for as well," Ortega emphasized. "It's covered through the adoption, so it's almost like we're paying you to take a pet and all we're asking is that you give them a loving home."

The Albuquerque shelter is defined as no-kill, meaning 90% of the animals are adopted, leaving about 10% subject to euthanization.

Pet lovers say a Minnesota cat that narrowly escaped death is in recovery after being thrown from a high-rise apartment building. They want accountability and more awareness of animal cruelty.

The international organization In Defense of Animals is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person believed to have thrown the furry creature from a 12th-floor balcony in Minneapolis.

Doll Stanley, senior campaigner for In Defense of Animals, said even though the case is closed, they feel someone has enough knowledge to help secure a successful prosecution and deter future attacks.

"The key here is for people to understand that animal cruelty is taking place every day," Stanley pointed out. "People are taking out their frustrations on animals."

Minneapolis authorities said at this point, they do not have enough evidence to make any arrests. The cat has undergone multiple procedures and is recovering at an area animal sanctuary.

Stanley noted people wanting to adopt a pet need to assure themselves they have the right temperament. She added those who suspect mistreatment need to speak up because if not, the abuse will likely continue.

"Because animals are usually defenseless and they can't report what happens, it's much easier to attack them," Stanley explained.

Stanley added there are many examples of strong responses from law enforcement but acknowledged some agencies lack the training and resources to adequately follow up. She stressed it is why groups such as hers can serve as a go-between.


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June is National Foster a Pet Month, and animal rescues and shelters in Michigan are sending a clarion call for dog lovers to step up and save an innocent animal.

In Michigan, about 45,000 dogs are estimated to be housed in shelters annually. The pandemic made matters more challenging. It is estimated in 2021, more than 3 million spay/neuter procedures were not performed due to clinic shutdowns, adding to the number of dog and cat births.

Laurie Viviano, board president for Haven of Love Dog Rescue in Westland, said the need for dog foster parents is beyond critical.

"There are more animals than homes," Viviano pointed out. "Dogs are being euthanized at an enormous rate right now; totally healthy, young, no behavior issues."

Viviano is hoping more people will step up and simply house a dog, all expenses paid. She acknowledged many people are unaware the shelters and rescues cover the costs to care for an animal being fostered.

The Michigan State Police are dealing with a surge in animal cruelty incidents, which increased from 123 in 2016 to 607 in 2021. Proposed legislation would impose tougher penalties on those who abuse or neglect a companion animal. Viviano has highlighted the necessity for a system to prevent such incidents.

"I think that there should be some kind of connection with all the rescues and shelters, a list of people that should not own animals," Viviano suggested.

Viviano added there is a notable rise in the number of animals being surrendered to shelters by owners in Michigan. The increase is largely attributed to the economic challenges faced by pet owners.


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Animal lovers and activists in Michigan are celebrating proposed legislation to protect animals and save taxpayers money.

Senate Bill 657 and Senate Bill 658 aim to provide resources for animal control and shelters to care for abused animals more effectively. The proposed legislation would separate civil cases from criminal cases, allowing abused animals to leave the shelter sooner, reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, a co-sponsor of the bills, said they would change the bond-forfeiture system.

"A defendant in an animal cruelty or neglect case would be required to either post a cost-of-care bond or forfeit the animal so that the animal can be adopted out to a loving home," Polehanki explained.

While the bills have been referred to a Committee on Criminal Justice, other animal welfare bills including House Bill 5587 and more have been voted out of the state House, ensuring tougher penalties for abusers.

Michigan lawmakers want to close a loophole in its felony sentencing guidelines with House Bill 5587. Currently, crimes against companion animals are not factored into the points-based system used to determine minimum sentences, often allowing offenders to avoid jail time.

Rep. Stephanie Young, D-Detroit, a sponsor of the bill, said it aims to include crimes against companion animals in the guidelines.

"It just simply gives the judge another tool in their toolkit that will allow them to rank what happened higher," Young pointed out. "Instead of getting 24 months probation, the judge can say, oh yeah, you're actually going to jail this time."

Dianne Reeves, co-founder of I Heart Dogs Rescue and Animal Haven in Warren, knows firsthand the effect companion animals have on their humans.

"What we're seeing in the rescue community with adoptions is more people view animals as family members than they do just pets," Reeves noted.

The Michigan Humane Society's cruelty investigation team in the Detroit area investigates more than 5,000 animal cruelty complaints each year.


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