Economy Affecting Pet Ownership

[Refugee 7]

Some pets are being abandoned because families are struggling to make ends meet. The Waukesha Humane Animal Welfare Society says its seen a big increase in the past couple months.

WAUKESHA - The Humane Animal Wellness Society in Waukesha is seeing an increase in people surrendering their pets because of the tough economy. In September they saw a 42-percent increase in the number of people bringing their pets in. "We're seeing more dogs and we're seeing some cats too but the cats cost less for people to take care of so they're able to go longer with the cats," said the executive director Lynn Olenik.

Last week someone drove to the shelter and left a six-week old puppy in the parking lot. The temperature was only 15 degrees and a worker spotted the puppy shivering underneath a car. The puppy was found in time and is recovering from kennel cough.

HAWS says there are resources so people don't have to abandon their pets. "We want what's best for the animal. We don't want it put in harms way. That's why shelters exist to help you when you need assistance with placing a pet." A lot of people are loosing their jobs and homes and are moving in with relatives or apartments and have to give up their pets.

"People love their animals and it is very hard to give up your animals even whether it's due to the economy or whether they feel the animal would have a better life elsewhere. They need to bring them into a shelter, we don't charge for Waukesha County residents." The shelter would appreciate donations to continue to provide care and support for the animals so they can find a good home for the pets.

[Echosoftom 3]

This is so sad. Our SPCA has been inundated this past year with people who have abandoned their homes and left their pets behind. Some asshole actually left three dogs in the backyard of a home and it was days before neighbors realized what had happened after they moved and notified the animal shelter. Fortunately they survived, but they were in bad shape. I think those people should have been charged with animal endangerment. On the other hand, people are losing their jobs and homes and they don't know what to do with their pets. I would hope they would do the right thing and take them to a shelter if they can't afford to keep them. This is certainly a good time to donate to your local SPCA, if you can.

[agirl 0]

This just makes me sick. To me a pet is part of the family. I could never abandon them.

[WildflowerNJ 136]

This is just so heartbreaking. Our shelter has seen a rise of pets coming in because of people losing their homes, as well.

Yes, please give to your local animal shelters....anything and all that you can. I wish I could bring all those beautiful animals home....

Thank you for posting about this, Linda and bringing it to attention....

[Marzirose 0]

I could never imagine my family abandoning our 3 dogs. They're part of the family and you don't ditch family. They're such sweet little puppies.....(picks up and cuddles poor Daisy)

[brandonwood20 0]

Wow. I feel pretty lucky when I read those stories. I've got it pretty easy. But it'll get better.

[KansasPettyFan 1]

^ Ditto that. This makes me very sad.

[LizzieB 0]

I've been hearing more and more about this situation and it's making me sad. I really wish I could do more to help right now.