KSWT: Local News, Weather, Sports Yuma, AZ El Centro Imperial Valley, CA Humane Society of Yuma's Increase in Pets

Humane Society of Yuma's Increase in Pets

Yuma, AZ August 25 - It's hard to imagine abandoning a member of your family, yet everyday people give up or abandon their pets especially in the summer months.

Annette Lagunas the director of operations at the Humane Society of Yuma says "Since August 1st we've taken over 330 animals into our shelter, and that is an increase over the last year at this time. We're seeing a very large amount of animals coming into our shelter and unfortunately our adoptions are slowing down as well."

 Lagunas says a variety of reasons come into play for the summer increase, including people moving or going on vacation, military deploying, and of course the economy. However, the shelter typically receives about 300 pets per month. She tells News 13, we expect that this year we'll probably have about 700 to 800 animals that have entered our shelter this year versus last year and that's concerning to us."

 Worrisome because 50% of the pets turned in are euthanized. According to the shelter in 2010 over 1,560 animals were put down from May to July in 2010 and this year that number has risen to 1,708, a 9 percent increase. In an effort to help the Humane Society of Yuma and help reduce the number of pets euthanized you to can help save a life. Luagunas says, "We're at a critical point where these animals truly need to get into a home. So, we're offering 50% off on all the adoptions. Typically we're not open on Sundays, but this Sunday we will be here from 12 to 4 doing adoptions only."

 A measure the Humane Society of Yuma and Petsmart are willing to make to ensure homes for as many animals as possible.