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.

Next week, parts of Wisconsin will see the return of near 90-degree temperatures. Animal rights voices say as hot stretches become more common, it is important for pet owners to take short- and long-term precautions to keep their four-legged companions safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency said under the threat of climate change, the Midwest is experiencing heat waves in greater frequency.

Kristin Schrank, board vice president of the Wisconsin-based group Alliance for Animals, said in general, ripple effects from a warning planet pose threats in a variety of ways.

"We're experiencing extreme heat and cold, wildfires, smoke and poor air quality," Schrank outlined. "This is not only impacting humans on the planet and their companion animals, but it's also impacting wildlife."

For summer heat, Schrank said pet owners should always keep fresh and clean water accessible, along with a shady spot. For those with a yard, she suggested enhancing landscaping, such as adding trees or shrubs, is helpful. Cooling mats for dogs are another option. When taking pets on a walk, experts say you should be mindful of the hot pavement, and either put protective boots on the animal or have them stay along the grass.

Schrank noted like humans, pets will show signs of heat stress, such as vomiting and disorientation. And there are some more likely to be affected by hotter temperatures.

"If the animal is very young, very old, overweight, thick coated, all of those things make them more vulnerable or susceptible," Schrank pointed out.

Despite greater awareness, Schrank emphasized there are still tragic situations involving pets being left in hot vehicles or outside in the extreme heat with no protection. Last year, there were 57 heat-related pet deaths in the U.S. She added under Wisconsin law, there are certain civil liability protections for those who spring into action if they observe such a situation.

"Essentially, it does allow people to cause damage," Schrank explained. "For example, break into a locked vehicle that has an animal that is suffering inside due to heat."

Some animals are not included in the statute, such as farm animals. The person taking action also has to follow certain guidelines, such as calling 911.

Virginia fishermen want action to be taken to keep industrial menhaden operations in the state in check.

Menhaden are a nutrient-rich fish and a key part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. However, their numbers are dwindling, due in large part to the rate they are being fished out of the Bay for consumption. Surveys show young menhaden populations are dwindling, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Chris Dollar, owner of Tackle Cover Sport Fishing, said there is no silver bullet to solving the problem, but state and federal regulations could prove helpful.

"They should operate in the ocean waters, out of the Chesapeake Bay where the waters are deeper," Dollar suggested. "There's far less risk of user conflict. Barring that, they should be at least a mile or perhaps a mile and a half from shore. That would put their ships in deeper water."

Being in deeper water would prevent net spills from occurring. Dollar argued companies should be held accountable when net spills do occur.

This year, Gov. Glenn Youngkin approved a bill calling for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to develop plans for studying the ecology, fishery impacts and economic importance of menhaden populations in the state's waters. A final report must be submitted by Sept. 1.

A 2022 study by the College of William and Mary found the depletion of menhaden is impacting another Chesapeake Bay native: the osprey.

Steve Atkinson, president of the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, described how the birds are affected by declining menhaden populations.

"Basically, the chicks, the newborn osprey, are heavily dependent on menhaden for food," Atkinson explained. "If their parents have trouble finding menhaden, then the chicks basically starve."

Several groups signed a letter of support to Youngkin, calling for menhaden operations to be moved out of Chesapeake Bay to protect the ecosystem and Virginia's outdoor recreational economy.

Hoosiers are enjoying the arrival of summer, but it is not the only important event on the calendar this week.

For more than 30 years, the third week of June has been set aside as Animal Rights Awareness Week. It is an ideal time to talk to friends and family about respecting and protecting animals.

Lisa Terry, executive director of the Cass County Humane Society in north central Indiana, sees every day why it is important to remind people to be kind to animals. As the state emerges from the pandemic, Terry said sadly, too many owners have surrendered pets.

"People who're working from home during COVID, now, they're back to the office or back to the factory and the dog or cat is alone all day," Terry pointed out. "They come home to maybe a mess or a frustrated animal, and it's not as much fun as it used to be, so that's one reason they're being returned."

Terry stated every community plays a crucial role in animal welfare. The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranks Indiana 12th in the nation for state animal-protection laws, from including animals in court protective orders to requiring training for humane officers.

For individuals and families, choosing to adopt a shelter animal instead of buying from a pet store can make a meaningful impact. Volunteering time or money can also make the difference between your local animal shelter failing or succeeding.

Terry acknowledged inflation has been a challenge, but her shelter has found creative ways for struggling owners to keep their pets.

"The huge rising cost of food, litter, veterinary bills, and some people still not back to work," Terry outlined. "We try to give from our pet food pantry -- Kitty Litter, and dog food and cat food -- so that people can't afford it, we want to give them food and necessary support, so they can get through the hard times."

Terry stressed as people observe Animal Rights Awareness Week, it is also important to celebrate the advocates who serve as the voice for animals, in state and local policy and enforcement.