There was extraordinarily good news this week from the Pima Animal Care Center, which has had more dogs and cats adopted.
A record 897 animals found new homes in July, the highest ever in a single month. And for the fiscal year that ended June 30, adoptions were up and euthanasia were down compared with the previous year.
The number of animals killed still remains unacceptably high: 7,065 in the recently ended fiscal year. That’s down about 2,000 from the previous year, but it still means about 135 animals are euthanized every week.
Rescue agencies and people willing to adopt animals with health and behavorial issues helped cut the toll.
But it is pet owners who must take the lead if the deaths of so many unwanted animals is to be significantly reduced. Spay or neuter your dogs and cats. Reduce the number of homeless and euthanized animals.