LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The largest animal shelter in Las Vegas and all of Nevada is facing a critical capacity issue.
As of Tuesday, the Animal Foundation tells FOX5 it’s caring for 1,015 including 547 dogs. That could mean making tough choices to make room as they are pushing for help from lawmakers to help stop the pet overpopulation problem.
Right before their CEO testified before state lawmakers in support of Assembly Bill 487 limiting pet store sales, the Animal Foundation posted on social media: “Our current shelter capacity is inhumane for the animals. We are facing the heartbreaking possibility of euthanizing animals for space.”
Inside the shelter, 20 dogs are in pop up kennels in hallways as the Animal Foundation is out of room putting pets anywhere they can facing constant overcrowding since the end of the pandemic.
“Every breed, size, and age you can imagine,” shared Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey testifying before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources asking lawmakers to help stop the flow of animals into Nevada and pass a bill to phase out the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores throughout the state.
“There are so many ways for Nevadans to find an ideal pet and so many pets in need, there is no need for businesses that prop up the well-documented cruelty of puppy mills, we see residents who paid thousands to a puppy mill store and then thousands more in medical bills due to irresponsible breeding and inadequate care, many just that they give up their beloved pet. It is heartbreaking,” Grey contended.
But pet stores like in Petland in Henderson are pushing back.
“Since 2023, we have committed to personally touring the facilities that we work with and creating videos of these facilities… We made it so every breeder’s name and a QR code with their video and as well as prices of our puppies are on every single window,” explained Vanessa Greene, Manager of Petland Henderson.
“Our small businesses here in Nevada would be forced to close if this bill went into effect. In New York and California, 93-95% of stores impacted by a pet store ban closed,” asserted Alyssa Miller with the Pet Advocacy Network representing pet stores.
Miller suggests if passed, the law would not only shutter legitimate businesses it would create a black market.
“We have seen an increase in animals coming from bad breeders across state lines into California and there are multiple LA Times exposés showing such and as a result California is having to take more action to fix a problem created by the pet sale ban,” Miller argued.
The Senate Committee did not take action on the bill Tuesday, but it has already passed through the Assembly.
As for right now, the Animal Foundation urgently needs fosters and adopters to help make room at the shelter. If you are interested, they are waiving fees through Thursday on adult dogs over 40 pounds.
Animal Foundation also shared some numbers with FOX5. So far this year, more than 1,700 pets have been surrendered. That’s about 20 percent of the 10,000+ animals it’s taken in. They also reported 171 animals that were adopted were returned.
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