Log in

View Full Version : another boom town side effect - animal shelter situation


pinkytoe
6-8-13, 9:04am
In our local paper:
"The Austin Animal Center for the first time in its history is not accepting animals surrendered by owners and the City is waiving fees to encourage the community to adopt or foster a pet this weekend."
I imagine some of this is newcomers who are shocked to find animal deposits required on apartments too high to afford. They were trying to be a no-kill shelter but that may not work with this type of influx of people.
mtnlaurel
6-8-13, 12:45pm
I hope someone can get them to the mtns. of Colorado. We were on the puppy list for months, and it was really long, at our local shelter. We ended up going to Nebraska for the world's most perfect dog I found on PetFinder.

If I am reincarnated as a dog, I hope it's in Colorado... those folks are just plain nutty about their 4 legged friends!
JaneV2.0
6-8-13, 7:41pm
I appreciate our local animal charities beyond words--both the Seattle and Portland Humane societies and too many to count satellite groups. Both Humane Societies are fully funded--privately--and do amazing outreach. Especially Portland. Turnaround time for adoptions is mercifully short. I know Portland, at least, takes in a number of "second chance" animals from shelters that aren't as well-funded or progressive. Maybe Austin should get in touch with them. I know they've taken dogs from California and Hawaii.
puglogic
6-9-13, 12:36am
If I am reincarnated as a dog, I hope it's in Colorado... those folks are just plain nutty about their 4 legged friends!

Yes, yes we are :D

Our regional rescue has been bringing in dogs from shelters in other states and even from the Bahamas. Lots of adoptions in our area (including two to our house...)
jennipurrr
6-9-13, 7:40pm
You would think with the influx of folks from the more liberally minded west coast you'd see the opposite...you know, "animal guardians" and all. The South in general is notorious for high kill rates in shelters. It is, sadly, a different mindset. I wonder how Austin would compare with other cities in TX? The local rescues here (AL) coordinate with places with waiting lists for animals to adopt and go on massive runs with 50 animals at a time. There are some counties in my state that don't even have an animal control office, much less private rescue. It is really a sad state of affairs.