Harris County, an area surrounding Houston, is known for being one of worst counties for stray and unwanted pets in America. The human population in this county is 4.6 million and the animal shelter intake is 18,000. The Houston area is known for having upwards of 2 million stray dogs.
Why should we care about Houston? Well if you love animals like we do, every life matters, and thankfully, many caring organizations responded to this crisis and are on the ground making a difference – Petsmart, Emancipet, SPCA, Best Friends, and many others. Even Harris County now has a live release rate of 90% versus 15% five years ago. The Houston SPCA just raised 30 million for its shelter and animal care center and is about to raise $13 million more.
But let’s take a look at our state: New Mexico, 2 million humans, less than half of Harris County, and 130,000 dogs and cats entering our shelters each year – 7 times the amount of one of the worst counties talked about in our country. And to boot, 50%, HALF OF OUR PETS, are euthanized because no one wants them.
We have a bigger problem than Houston. And we gotta care enough to save our own pets as no one is watching.
Our taxes and millions of dollars donated to rescue, support our current method of dealing with our problem. Although we’d love to have the $30+ million Houston has, we don’t need a nicer or bigger shelter to warehouse pets no one wants. We need increased access to low-cost spay neuter. We will be advocating for change and fixing pets.
We need to expand out of Valencia County and are committed to solving this problem. Will you help us make it happen? Please donate on our Facebook page or on our website, and join us in the fight.