LOS ALAMITOS, Calif — There are more than three million dogs in the United States whose homes are behind bars in an animal shelter. 31% of dogs are euthanized annually if they don’t find a home. Dog overpopulation has been an issue plaguing our country for years. Issues like puppy obsession have led many owners to abandon their dogs after the first few months. Breeders do not help the cause either, as they add to the number of dogs struggling to find a home. Many factors can leave dogs without a loving home and out on the streets or in shelters.
Dog overpopulation has become a serious case, with the number of homeless dogs increasing yearly. If the number keeps increasing and the problem remains ignored, how will the issue be solved? Many people don’t know what they can do to help with this growing problem.
Kimber Griffin, a Los Alamitos High School alumnus and advocate for in-need dogs, uses her social media account to raise awareness on the issue. The number of dogs at risk of being put down is an important issue that needs help from the community.
“Dogs are overpopulated in the sense that the United States is in a dog housing crisis. There are thousands of healthy dogs euthanized daily at shelters because there isn’t enough space or resources to house them all,” said Griffin.
Another rising issue within the homeless dog crisis is the puppy craze when people adopt puppies but lose interest in caring for the dog once it is fully grown. Although this problem isn’t common in all pet owners, it’s a difficulty that dog adoption has faced.
SPCALA and Seal Beach Animal Care Center are both local animal shelters where students can volunteer. From reading books to walking dogs, students can make any dog’s day better.
“It’s much better to adopt a shelter animal looking for a home,” said Ana Bustilloz, Director of Marketing for SPCALA.
Although adopting from shelters and rescue centers is a great way to help, there are other paths people can take to support if they don’t want to adopt. People can donate supplies to shelters and even foster dogs while they wait for loving homes. The amount of choices to help is endless.
Students who want to get involved can do so at their school. Multiple clubs at LAHS work towards helping dogs, including the club A Cause for Paws. This and many other clubs are working together to contribute to the work going towards helping homeless dogs.
“My goal for students is to inspire them to take action and make a difference in the lives of homeless dogs,” said A Cause for Paws President, Kate Colby. “When I started A Cause for Paws, there was no club on campus like it and I saw an opportunity to bring people together through a shared love for dogs. I wanted to create a space where students could get involved in an issue that means so much to me.”
LAHS students have countless resources at their disposal that can benefit numerous animals. Although it takes time and effort, working towards bettering the opportunities for dogs can make a huge difference.
“I would encourage students to advocate for shelter pets with their family and friends,” said Bustilloz.
