We have adopted four cats from the Randolph County Humane Society along with numerous feral cats that have come our way because we live in the country, and I wondered about animal statistics after having three male cats neutered this past month (and for anyone wondering, they were as spunky and loving the day after as they were the day before). The ASPCA.org states that seven out of ten cats in shelters are put down simply because there is no one to adopt them (not in RCHS, but in high kill shelters), so read these statistics provided by The National Council on Pet Population, Study and Policy, and take them to heart:
Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:
6-8 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:
3-4 million (HSUS estimate)
Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:
Between 600,000 and 750,000—30 percent of dogs and 2-5 percent of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
Number of animal shelters in the United States:
Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
25 percent (HSUS estimate)
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10
These statistics were updated as of July 7, 2008, so with the economy being as bad as it has been over the past year I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers are higher. I know in Randolph County alone the number of animals brought into the shelter by Animal Control has increased 70% in 2009 over 2008. We, the people, are the only ones that can make a difference. It is up to us to spay and neuter our pets. The ultimate goal of the Randolph County Humane Society is to find a corporate sponsor that will help them fulfill their dream of building a clean room that will allow low to no cost spays and neuters in the hope of creating an environment where we become the first county in the country where the shelter outlives its need. What a glorious day that would be when there would be no more unwanted and unloved animals in our midst. It can happen if we have the continued support of the good people of Randolph County. But never forget, it is only through you that the Randolph County Humane Society continues to save lives, one by one.
November 15 is the final day to have your picture taken with Santa. You can have a family picture or a pet picture, it’s up to you, it’s just our way of giving back to the community. We have the real St. Nick waiting for you this year, so don’t miss out. It’s at the AFSCME Union Hall in Chester from 1-4. It’s a great deal for you and you help the animals at the shelter at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. We hope to see you there!
I have helped at this shelter and I can not tell you how great they are. The problem is that a lot of people confuse them with Randolph County Animal Control. The Humane Society is no-kill, but the Animal Control is not. They are housed under the same roof, which adds to the confusion. The loving, devoted people that work there are unbelievable and the place is so clean and they take such good care of all the animals. Please contribute whatever you can to this organization. I will be at the pet pics with Santa tomorrow November 15th in Chester.