The number of strays outweighs the number of kennels they can be humanely housed in.
By Lisa Norwood, Public Information Officer for Animal Care ServicesA 15% increase in the number of dogs impounded at the shelter this year has forced Animal Care Services (ACS) to once again implement the Humane Housing Action Plan at the shelter. In the month of May, ACS received more than 6,800 calls for service with more than 3,900 animals actually having been brought in. In addition, when ACS opened the new shelter, the legal holding time for strays increased from 48 to 72 hours.
This 50% increase in stray time coupled with the rise in impounds has led to an increasingly crowded housing situation for the animals in the shelter.
As a result, Animal Care Services will be instituting a moratorium for five days, starting Monday, June 16th, in order to ease overcrowding in the kennels.
The moratorium plan will restrict the intake of certain types of animals at the shelter and would be in effect for the length of time needed to alleviate overcrowded conditions. During the moratorium, the City’s Animal Care Officers (ACOs) will
only pick up documented aggressive animals, sick or injured animals, animals involved in bites or cruelty cases as well as any animals on school or business properties. While the moratorium is in effect, ACOs will not pick up stray or unrestrained animals
unless they meet the aforementioned criteria. They will continue to respond to law enforcement cases as usual and all previous policies in reference to trapped cats, owner surrenders in the field etc. still apply.
Owner surrendered animals and strays will NOT be accepted at the ACS facility. Only documented sick or injured animals and quarantine animals will be accepted in the lobby. Kennel assignments may be re-structured to maximize space for strays while still allowing for extended-stay adoptable animals.
The decision to limit pickup of animals, both in the field and in the lobby, was made after a consultation with shelter experts throughout the country. The specialists included a contingent of veterinarians from U.C. Davis who recently visited Animal Care Services to discuss humane housing and disease control in light of the rise in the shelter’s population. In light of the moratorium, Animal Care Services is again stressing the importance of responsible pet ownership and adoptions. Residents are urged to keep their dogs leashed or on their property as required by City ordinance. All pets should be vaccinated and have a city pet license in the form of a microchip.
ACS will continue to have cats available for adoption at local Petco locations and the shelter will also be hosting an adoption fair/microchip clinic at the Hoops and Hounds event set for June 24th at the AT&T Center. The pet friendly affair will feature the San Antonio Silver Stars taking on the Houston Comets. Dogs are invited to watch the game with their owners and tickets are just $20 which includes a food voucher, owner and dogs tickets. For more information on Hoops and Hounds, call 210-444-5683.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:• Help to alleviate the overcrowding at the ACS facility. If you have been considering the addition of a companion animal to your family, please consider one of the wonderful
adoptable cats and dogs.
For more information:City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS)4710 State Highway 151
San Antonio, Texas 78227
Phone: 210-207-4PET
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Network
Photo credit: photo taken by Jennifer Hayes.