‘Ruff’ economy hurts pets

When talk turns to the economy, many will cite the ways the downturn has hurt friends and family.

Job loss, downsizing, home foreclosures are all byproducts of the current economy. Many do not realize the impact the poor economic outlook has had on pet owners.

Often times, when a family faces a job loss or a foreclosure, there are so many pressing issues to deal with, the welfare of the pet may not spring to mind. Some pet owners voluntarily turn in their animals to no-kill shelters, but others abandon their pets in the empty homes or turn them loose on the street.

“We think it’s safe to say turn ins are up 20 percent,” said Tricia Bryant, Director of The Humane Society & Adoption Center at PAWS. “It’s hard to distinguish; whenever owners have to surrender it’s for economic reasons.”

Bryant said that PAWS currently has 189 cats and163 dogs at their facilities. Of these, 56 cats and 53 dogs are available for adoption.

For more on this story, see the July 14 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.