Dog euthanizations on the rise in Des Moines
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Dog euthanizations at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) are at their highest monthly level since at least 2018.
Why it matters: The leagues' shelters are being overrun, with this year's monthly average intake of 405 dogs well above the organization's previous five-year average of around 353.
The big picture: According to the Shelter Animals Count database, animal intakes at both public and private shelters across the country are expected to reach a three-year high this year, and adoptions or returns to owners are not keeping pace, Axios' Carrie Shepherd reports.
By the numbers: 208 dogs — an average of about 30 a month — were euthanized between January and July, ARL public data shows.
- That's 33% higher than 2021's monthly average of just over 22 a month.
The latest: The ARL waived fees last weekend in an "urgent" adoption drive to reduce shelter crowding.
- Around 200 pets were adopted between Thursday and Sunday.
- But there's still a shortage of space, ARL director of development KC Routos, tells Axios.
Meanwhile: Monthly cat intakes so far in 2023 are slightly lower than in the two previous years.
- Cat euthanizations averaged just over 46 a month so far this year, slightly higher than last year but still 13% lower than in 2019 when there were 53.
Of note: The ARL doesn't euthanize animals unless they are suffering or have severe behavior concerns that haven't been resolved after training techniques are exhausted, per Routos.
- Things like foster programs and creative adoption promotions have for years allowed the ARL to avoid euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals.
Yes, but: Keeping euthanizations limited is a daily challenge.
- Pet overpopulation is a community problem that needs a community solution. It is not up to the shelters alone to make this happen, Routos says.
What they're saying: A lack of affordable pet friendly housing also plays a role in intakes, per Routos.
- The ARL advocates for landlords to make their properties more pet friendly by evaluating restrictions or financial barriers like extra deposits.
- Pet-friendly housing options in the metro are listed on its website.
Zoom in: The Animal Rescue League handles the city of DSM's animal control services.
- The city is building a $14.1 million animal shelter that will be three times bigger than its current facility along Southeast 14th Street.
What's next: The new facility, which is about five blocks from its current site, is expected to open later this year.