LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Animal Foundation is facing a critical overcrowding crisis, taking in over 100 animals daily.
That’s a number typically seen in the summer months, not in November.
The shelter is at capacity, with 260 dogs already in their care and an additional 35 dogs that arrived on Tuesday.
“That is not normal” communications manager Kelsey Pizzi said. “We’re heading into Thanksgiving and seeing this volume of animals coming in during the fall is extremely concerning.”
Pizzi attributes the overcrowding to several factors including illegal breeding, economic challenges, and the continued sale of animals in pet stores.
Additionally, 78 percent of lost dogs coming into the shelter don’t have microchips or collars, making it difficult to reunite them with their families.
“A lot of people have this image in their head that most of the animals coming into the shelter are, you know, abandoned, abused, dirty, sad animals,” Pizzi said. “That’s just not the case.”
To address the crisis, the Animal Foundation is holding an “Empty the Shelter” event starting Dec. 1, in which fees will be waived for all animals excluding kittens and puppies. The shelter encourages the community to adopt, foster, or donate to help clear space.
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