Why Do We Need More Local Animal Shelters?

oday, there are approximately 70 million stray animals living on the streets of the United States (“Alarming

Facts”). When animals end up in the hands of pet owners who are not ready for the responsibility, these animals can end up being mistreated and ultimately homeless. Therefore, there is a greater need for more local animal shelters due to the increasing number of homeless animals. Along with providing a temporary home for the animals, local shelters also focus on the animals wellbeing and provide them with food and water. With more local animal shelters, the number of stray and homeless animals will greatly decline. Unlike corporate animal shelters, such as the ASPCA, local animal shelters have an opportunity to provide more animal welfare; therefore, supporting local shelters will allow people to make a more impactful difference and feel more reassured in where the money

However, euthanizing is inhumane and is not an ethical way to solve any issue, especially not with innocent animals. On average, an “estimated 75 percent of animals turned into a facility each month are put down” (“Walton Breaks Ground”). With more shelters locally present, overcrowding will become less and less of an issue. Clearly, the concept and purpose of an animal shelter are one focused on helping animals; however, it is no secret that it does not always solve the many problems targeted. Yes, getting an animal shelter up and running is expensive; however, without the shelters taking strays off the streets, the amount of money spent to run it will eventually be spent on medical bills paid by innocent people who suffer from attacks. Along with increasing the communities safety, shelters give every animal an equal opportunity to be adopted and to find a loving family. Therefore, having an animal shelter in a community might be a hassle at first but there is no doubt that its presence will pay off in the long