More pets abandoned as economy declines

Updated: July 16, 2008 - 8:22 PM

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Last year, Animal Humane Society facilities made room for more than 300 animals from shelters in rural Minnesota and several neighboring states. So far this year the group has taken in more than 900 dogs, cats, birds, gerbils and farm animals from rescue groups.

Shelter officials said individual pet owners have also driven up the number of animals housed at its five metro area shelters this year. This year's total is up more than 7 percent to roughly 17,740 animals. Meanwhile, adoptions have fallen by almost 3 percent when compared to the same time last year, for a total of 9,782.

2007 animals from outside groups: 300

2008 animals from outside groups: 900 (with five months left in the year)

Total animals housed at AHS shelters during 2008 (so far): 17,740

Increase in animals housed at AHS shelters from 2007 to 2008: more than 7 percent

Total adoptions from AHS shelters during 2008 (so far): 9,782

Decrease in animals adopted from AHS shelters from 2007 to 2008 : approximately 3 percent

Source: Animal Humane Society