As the nation’s economic crisis continues, pet are becoming the silent victims. Across the country, in areas from Chicago to Tampa, pet owners are giving up their furry loved ones because they can’t afford them anymore. It’s a trend that’s now begun in the New River Valley.
From job strikes to layoffs, families in the NRV are feeling the affects of a slowing economy, and are sacrificing their pets too.
Gina Dalton works for the humane society in the Galax area.
“There's been several factories close in our area lately and we've started having people bringing in their dogs because they say they can't afford them anymore. We're getting at least maybe two a week or more saying that they can't afford them anymore so they bring them to us,” said Dalton.
Since the Galax shelter is half full with rescued dogs from a local puppy mill, the majority of the other animals are being put down.
In Pulaski where hundreds were laid off during the strike at Volvo, pets were brought into the humane society.
“We saw at least I'd say nine applicants a week needing help,” Dalton said.
In this case it was either pregnant dogs or un-fixed animals that were released by their owners, like a Terrier hound mix they have in their facility.
“She was in heat and he did just not have the money to get her fixed,” Dalton said.
Keely Tolbert with the humane society said giving up a pet should be a last resort.
“That's kind of where we step in because we have such an over crowding issue at our county shelter that we can offer low cost spay or neuter alternative so they can keep their pet but at the same time make sure that they don't have unwanted liters,” said Tolbert.
Families can also sign up for payment plans to help pay for vet bills. It might be just enough to keep these four legged friends with a place to call home.
So far in larger cities like Chicago, one pet organization has started a foreclosure program to keep pets while their owners work things out. Locally, the Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia said they don’t have a formal program, but they can provide a temporary place to stay for a short amount of time. They don’t have shelters, but rather foster homes.
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