Animal shelters feeling the strain amid spike in owner surrenders
JACKSON, Tenn. — Animal shelters are feeling struggles as many people are surrendering their animals everyday.
We were able to speak with the Director of Animal Services for the City of Jackson, Whitney Owen, who told us they have had a very expected spike in amount of strays this year.
“What we have seen this year is a giant spike in owner surrenders,” Owen said. “People, for whatever reason, cannot keep their pets. Be it the economy — the big one we hear is that they are moving and can’t take their pets — and things like that. When I say a big spike, I mean we get 30 or 40 of those calls a week.”
This is not something that is unique to Jackson. Owen tells us it is happening not only all over Tennessee, but all over the country.
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“The big problem that we have habitually dealt with here, and then nationwide as well, is the pit bull population,” said Owen. “They are the number one most overbred dog in the country, the number one most abused dog in the country, the number one dog in shelters across the country, and the number one most euthanized dog in the country.”
The best way to help alleviate this issue is by spaying and neutering. Pit bull breeds tend to have larger litters, which is another reason this is a growing issue.
“If you’re a Madison County resident, we have a free pit bull spay and neuter program,” said Owen. “We would be more than happy to get you in contact with and get you setup with. It takes a phone call and a five minute trip by the shelter. It is super easy. We’ve tried to remove as many barriers as possible to make it as accessible as it can be.”
If you have any questions, you can call the Jackson Animal Care Center at (731) 422-7028.
Owen told us that around 90% of the dogs that come in are pit bull breeds or mixes.
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