{"id":5711,"date":"2022-04-19T06:32:38","date_gmt":"2022-04-19T06:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/"},"modified":"2022-04-20T09:50:27","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T09:50:27","slug":"why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is there overpopulation in animal shelters?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Why_is_there_overpopulation_in_animal_shelters\" title=\"Why is there overpopulation in animal shelters?\">Why is there overpopulation in animal shelters?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#How_does_being_in_a_shelter_affect_animals\" title=\"How does being in a shelter affect animals?\">How does being in a shelter affect animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#How_is_overpopulation_of_animals_a_problem\" title=\"How is overpopulation of animals a problem?\">How is overpopulation of animals a problem?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_causes_overcrowding_in_animal_shelters\" title=\"What causes overcrowding in animal shelters?\">What causes overcrowding in animal shelters?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Why_is_overpopulation_of_animals_a_problem\" title=\"Why is overpopulation of animals a problem?\">Why is overpopulation of animals a problem?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Is_there_an_overpopulation_of_pets\" title=\"Is there an overpopulation of pets?\">Is there an overpopulation of pets?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Why_is_shelter_important_for_animals\" title=\"Why is shelter important for animals?\">Why is shelter important for animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#How_does_being_in_a_shelter_affect_a_dog\" title=\"How does being in a shelter affect a dog?\">How does being in a shelter affect a dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_animal_shelters\" title=\"What are the pros and cons of animal shelters?\">What are the pros and cons of animal shelters?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_is_the_problem_in_animal_shelters\" title=\"What is the problem in animal shelters?\">What is the problem in animal shelters?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#How_has_overpopulation_affected_animals\" title=\"How has overpopulation affected animals?\">How has overpopulation affected animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_are_3_of_the_main_reasons_animals_end_up_in_shelters\" title=\"What are 3 of the main reasons animals end up in shelters?\">What are 3 of the main reasons animals end up in shelters?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_issues_are_local_animal_shelters_facing_today\" title=\"What issues are local animal shelters facing today?\">What issues are local animal shelters facing today?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_is_the_main_effect_of_overpopulation_on_animals\" title=\"What is the main effect of overpopulation on animals?\">What is the main effect of overpopulation on animals?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Why_is_overpopulation_a_big_problem\" title=\"Why is overpopulation a big problem?\">Why is overpopulation a big problem?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Is_there_a_pet_overpopulation_problem\" title=\"Is there a pet overpopulation problem?\">Is there a pet overpopulation problem?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_animals_are_overpopulated_2021\" title=\"What animals are overpopulated 2021?\">What animals are overpopulated 2021?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#Is_there_cat_overpopulation\" title=\"Is there cat overpopulation?\">Is there cat overpopulation?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-there-overpopulation-in-animal-shelters\/#What_happens_when_animal_overpopulated\" title=\"What happens when animal overpopulated?\">What happens when animal overpopulated?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_there_overpopulation_in_animal_shelters\"><\/span>Why is there overpopulation in animal shelters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A primary factor that plays into pet overpopulation is <b>allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance of finding homes for their offspring. Another issue is when owners relinquish their pets because they either no longer want them or can care for them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_being_in_a_shelter_affect_animals\"><\/span>How does being in a shelter affect animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>More lives saved means longer shelter stays<\/b> More dogs and cats are being saved, rehabilitated, and re-homed. Dogs with behavior problems that would have previously been killed are now being spared. This is a welcomed development and results in many more innocent pets getting a new leash on life.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_overpopulation_of_animals_a_problem\"><\/span>How is overpopulation of animals a problem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If animal populations continue to grow unchecked, it will result in over-taxing of the resources in the environment. <b>Overpopulated animal species can cause deforestation, soil erosion and even lead to the extinction of certain animal species<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_overcrowding_in_animal_shelters\"><\/span>What causes overcrowding in animal shelters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While there are many breeders and pet shops, the greatest cause of the overpopulation tragedy is <b>individual caretakers who refuse or are afraid to get their companion spayed or neutered.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_overpopulation_of_animals_a_problem\"><\/span>Why is overpopulation of animals a problem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If animal populations continue to grow unchecked, it will result in <b>over-taxing of the resources in the environment. Overpopulated animal species can cause deforestation, soil erosion and even lead to the extinction of certain animal species.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_an_overpopulation_of_pets\"><\/span>Is there an overpopulation of pets?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Overpopulation in domestic pets is the surplus of pets, such as cats, dogs, and exotic animals. In the United States, six to eight million animals are brought to shelters each year, of which an estimated three to four million are subsequently euthanized, including 2.7 million considered healthy and adoptable.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_shelter_important_for_animals\"><\/span>Why is shelter important for animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Why Are Animal Shelters Important? They provide animals with food, water, and medical care; <b>protection from the elements; relief from suffering; and a caring human presence. Many times, these animals would have nowhere else to turn.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_being_in_a_shelter_affect_a_dog\"><\/span>How does being in a shelter affect a dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Identifying Stress<\/b> For most dogs, being relinquished to an animal shelter is a drastic change and a stressful experience. Stress may also affect a shelter dog&#8217;s physical health, causing increased susceptibility to diseases and a longer recovery time from illness.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_animal_shelters\"><\/span>What are the pros and cons of animal shelters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Animal Shelters ProsAnimal Shelters ConsAnimals can find new ownersSome animal shelters are quite crowdedAnimals may regain trust in peopleAnimal shelters can be expensive to operateCan help with population controlOften dependent on donations7 more rows<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_problem_in_animal_shelters\"><\/span>What is the problem in animal shelters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Common problems include cruel killing methods, dirty conditions, lack of veterinary care, lack of adequate food and water, poor record-keeping that results in animals being accidentally destroyed, lack of spay\/neuter requirements or programs, pound seizure policies, inadequate screening procedures for adoption<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_has_overpopulation_affected_animals\"><\/span>How has overpopulation affected animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If animal populations continue to grow unchecked, it will result in <b>over-taxing of the resources in the environment. Overpopulated animal species can cause deforestation, soil erosion and even lead to the extinction of certain animal species.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_3_of_the_main_reasons_animals_end_up_in_shelters\"><\/span>What are 3 of the main reasons animals end up in shelters?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A primary factor that plays into pet overpopulation is <b>allowing cats and dogs to reproduce with little chance of finding homes for their offspring. Another issue is when owners relinquish their pets because they either no longer want them or can care for them.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_issues_are_local_animal_shelters_facing_today\"><\/span>What issues are local animal shelters facing today?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Why Do Animals End Up in Animal Shelters?<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moving.<\/li>\n<li>Landlord does not allow pet.<\/li>\n<li>Too many animals in household.<\/li>\n<li>Cost of pet maintenance.<\/li>\n<li>Owner having personal problems\/illness\/death.<\/li>\n<li>Inadequate facilities.<\/li>\n<li>No homes available for litter mates.<\/li>\n<li>Having no time for pet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_main_effect_of_overpopulation_on_animals\"><\/span>What is the main effect of overpopulation on animals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Challenges Unique to Shelters<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Overcrowding.<\/li>\n<li>Constant introduction of new, unknown animals into the herd<\/li>\n<li>Open access and accountability to the public.<\/li>\n<li>Inadequate healthcare programs.<\/li>\n<li>Mandatory holding periods.<\/li>\n<li>Limited resources.<\/li>\n<li>Stress.<\/li>\n<li>Inadequate staff and volunteer training and high turnover.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_overpopulation_a_big_problem\"><\/span>Why is overpopulation a big problem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to National Wildlife Federation, in a report titled Population and the Environment, <b>nearly 20 plant and animal species become extinct every hour (Effects of Overpopulation). Along with fueling massive animal extinction, population growth contributes heavily to habitat loss.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_pet_overpopulation_problem\"><\/span>Is there a pet overpopulation problem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are too many of them. That may sound strange, but pet overpopulation is real and <b>occurs when there are more homeless pets than there are available homes for them. Because of pet overpopulation, more than 3.7 million animals are being euthanized annually in shelters across the country.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_animals_are_overpopulated_2021\"><\/span>What animals are overpopulated 2021?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Here is a closer look at the most populous animal on Earth.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Donkeys &#8211; Over 40 Million. Donkeys are hardworking animals in countries around the world.<\/li>\n<li>Goats &#8211; 45 Million.<\/li>\n<li>Cats &#8211; 400 Million.<\/li>\n<li>Pigs &#8211; 678 Million.<\/li>\n<li>Dogs &#8211; 900 Million &#8211; 1 Billion.<\/li>\n<li>Cows &#8211; 987.51 Million.<\/li>\n<li>Sheep &#8211; Over 1 Billion.<\/li>\n<li>Humans &#8211; 7.8 Billion (end of 2020)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_cat_overpopulation\"><\/span>Is there cat overpopulation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cat Overpopulation. <b>Currently, the ASPCA approximates 3.4 million cats entering animal shelters nationwide every year. Statistics show that 3.1 million cats are adopted each year; however, the rest of the abandoned population faces either euthanization or a prolonged stay at municipal or rescue shelters.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_when_animal_overpopulated\"><\/span>What happens when animal overpopulated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If animal populations continue to grow unchecked, it will result in over-taxing of the resources in the environment. Overpopulated animal species can cause <b>deforestation, soil erosion and even lead to the extinction of certain animal species.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Why is there overpopulation in animal shelters?How does being in a shelter affect animals?How is overpopulation of animals a problem?What causes overcrowding in animal shelters?Why is overpopulation of animals a problem?Is there an overpopulation of pets?Why is shelter important for animals?How does being in a shelter affect a dog?What are the pros&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[619],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-animal"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5711"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67259,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5711\/revisions\/67259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}