County animal shelter at full capacity, could be forced to euthanize healthy pets

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dexter, a 6-year-old pitbull mix found by SRPD officers in the back of a box truck last year, is among the animals up for adoption at the county animal shelter, which is now at full capacity. (Photo courtesy Contra Costa Animal Services)

Officials with Contra Costa Animal Services are seeking dog lovers who are able to provide temporary or permanent homes for larger breeds in order to alleviate the increasing pressure on the agency’s full shelter that is forcing them to consider euthanizing healthy animals due to lack of space.

“Today, our animal care and medical staff have advised me that due to the high volume of dogs currently in our care and the number of new animals coming in each day outpacing those being adopted, rescued and returned to their families, we’re now faced with the impossible dilemma of having to make euthanasia decisions based on time and space,” CCAS Director Beth Ward said in a civic alert.

“Sadly, this means that there is a potential that healthy/treatable animals may be euthanized to help make space for the other animals in our community needing help,” Ward added.

Despite efforts to draw awareness to overcrowding at the county’s animal shelter for the past year, Ward said that the flow of rescued animals arriving at the shelter has continued to outpace their adoption rate, resulting in the critical situation facing the agency — and the pets in its shelter — and Ward’s call for help last week.

“For months, we’ve navigated through the challenges of overcrowding, strained resources and tirelessly dedicated staff who have given their all to care for these innocent lives,” Ward said. “But today, we stand at a crossroads, faced with an unimaginable decision: unless we act quickly, we might have to make the heartbreaking choice to euthanize some of the dogs and cats in our care.”

Specifically, Ward said that the agency is “immediately” seeking to find homes for 50 large-breed dogs — be that through adoption, transfer to other shelters or fostering — in order to make room for the continued stream of animals coming through shelter doors within the county and throughout the region.

“This is our heartfelt call to action,” Ward said. “We’re urging our community to step up and make a difference. We’re asking you to open your hearts and your homes to the pets in our shelter. Adoption, fostering, volunteering — every gesture counts. If you’ve been thinking about adopting, or possibly fostering — permanently or temporarily — now is the time.”

In addition to taking in one or more of the dozens of dogs the agency is seeking to find alternative shelter for, CCAS is seeking help spreading the word about their situation, as well as welcoming volunteers. More information is available at contracosta.ca.gov.