Arizona dog shelter asks for help to stop euthanasia amid heat wave

An Arizona shelter has taken to social media in a desperate plea for animals to be adopted as summer heat creeps into the state and the euthanasia list continues to grow.

Like animal shelters across the country, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) is over capacity by the hundreds. Kennels must be split with one dog inside and the other outside 24/7 and as ‘brutal’ heat continues to smother the state, shelters are doing everything they can to keep dogs cool. However, the swamp coolers used are not durable.

A June 11 Instagram video posted by @sarah.and.thedogs gives a glimpse of what animals experience in 100-plus degree weather at all three MCACC locations. There are more than 800 animals in the MCACC system with dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes available for adoption.

The poignant caption begins: “We are in a crisis in Arizona,” with overcrowding expected to worsen in the coming weeks.

“We need to get the word out and get people to go to shelters and adopt,” said the video’s creator, Sarah. News week via Instagram.

Sarah said the shelter expects many more dogs to end up in care centers due to fireworks and the Fourth of July holiday. In preparation, the shelter is now adding the dogs to the euthanasia list, which is why it is appealing to adopters or foster families to come forward.

“Due to overpopulation, MCACC has decided to put more dogs on the euthanasia list to try to reduce the numbers,” she added. “It’s a devastating time right now.”

Currently, 67 animals listed on the MCACC website are considered “priority,” meaning they are at risk of being euthanized if the shelter does not find an immediate outlet for them. Some animals may need additional support with behavioral issues or medical care, while others struggle in the shelter environment.

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 per day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats fostered in pet shelters reached 46,807 in January 2023, an increase of 1,744 from January 2022, according to 24Pet’s “Shelter Watch Report.”

Around 920,000 abandoned animals are euthanized each year. Shelters work to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption drives, spay and neuter programs, and behavioral rehabilitation.

The heartbreaking video on Instagram reached nearly 30,000 views, 773 likes and 79 comments as of Monday.

“I beg those who adopt from a humane society! I did this last December 22 and it was the most rewarding experience I have had acquiring a wonderful dog! He is my heart! Please, save lives!!” shared one commenter.

Another added: “These poor babies, I can’t wait to buy my land and save as many of these babies as possible. »

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