Pets risk death at crowded shelters | KXAN.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Overcrowding at the Austin Animal Center may mean euthanasia of nearly a dozen canines if new owners aren?t found.

Officials say since the animal shelter moved to its new East Austin facility in November they have seen fewer adoptions. The problem has been compounded, they say, by a dramatic increase in the number of adult dogs being surrendered by their owners.

The new facility has fewer large dog kennels than the old facility, now being run by Austin Pets Alive, creating a deadly mix for medium to large dogs over the age of six months.

Officials with Austin Pets Alive say they are housing the maximum contracted number of 60 dogs from ACC to help relieve the overcrowding, taking in 53 dogs this week alone.

Both shelters say they are hope to see dogs over 35 pounds to be adopted in the next week leading up to the holiday to avoid euthanizing the animals.

"There is a huge variety of amazing medium to large dogs available at both of our shelters that don't deserve to die just because they aren't puppies anymore. It is hard for them to compete with little puppies and small breed dogs," said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, veterinarian and executive director of Austin Pets Alive! ?We are asking people to come to APA! or the City shelter and do a trial adoption, foster or permanently adopt one of these dogs that is in extreme danger of euthanasia. The gift of life to a dog that had no hope will be remembered as the best holiday present you ever gave."

Austin pets Alive said they will offer ?name-your-own-price? adoptions for all cats and dogs over 35 pounds, requiring a $25.00 minimum, all weekend long. The Austin Animal Center is offering their dogs over 35 pounds for free, including the ones being housed at the Town Lake Animal Center.

For more information about Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive visit http://www.cityofaustin.org/health/pets/default.htm and www.austinpetsalive.org .

Source: http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/pets-risk-death-at-crowded-shelters

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