What words would you use to describe Houston’s homeless animal crisis? After bringing RedRover, a 501c3 national animal welfare nonprofit organization, to the Corridor of Cruelty on June 24, their Field Services & Outreach Coordinator, Devon, said she was “shocked and overwhelmed” by the number of animals living in just that one particular community in Houston. The truth is, the problem is worse than it has been in many years.
Fortunately, RedRover is committed to helping us save the lives of animals in need, and they generously donated $6,000 to support our June 25 transport of 83 cats and dogs to our rescue partners in Minnesota. We are so incredibly appreciative of their partnership, and we know that together we will make a difference in the lives of many otherwise unwanted cats and dogs.
What’s Contributing to Houston’s Homeless Animal Crisis?
Appointment-based intake continues to make surrendering an animal, whether it is owned or a stray, nearly impossible. Today, we saw this struggle first-hand. Pictured here is Baxter. Baxter’s owner no longer wanted to care for him, and she showed up at the shelter on Friday morning to try and turn him in.
Without an appointment, surrendering Baxter, a purebred King Charles Spaniel, became increasingly difficult, to the point where Baxter’s owner turned to us and handed him over after we assured her that we would find him a proper forever home. Had we not been there, what would have happened to Baxter? So many animals like him are dumped on the streets, left to suffer and fend for themselves.
Situations like these are not isolated instances, and it is why the stray animal crisis is worse than it has ever been. Although the population is certainly growing, Houston PetSet is committed to ending the homelessness and suffering of companion animals. We won’t stop our efforts #ForTheAnimals until the problem is solved.