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Number Of Abandoned Animals On The Rise

By Nicole Wiseman and Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- The number of animals wandering Green Country is on the rise, according to area animal rescue representatives. They say most of them are dumped and neglected pets and the majority of them are dogs.

The Tulsa Zoo, with the help of area rescues, has been hosting a pet adoption awareness event every weekend in April.

Their goal is to find homes for abandoned animals.

"We know better than anyone that the overpopulation of animals is so problematic," said Jodi Koch of the Tulsa Zoo.

Koch knows there's a problem, because she says strays are constantly found in and around zoo property.

"Often times we find ones out here that just aren't really being looked for. So, it's just a sad thing," said Koch.

According to the Zoi's Animal Rescue website, an estimated 30,000 dogs and cats are euthanized every year in Oklahoma shelters. Some think that number's as high as it is, in part, because of the economy.

"They can either no longer keep them because of finances or their living situations have changed to where they're either going into an apartment or moving in with family and their pets are the ones who have to go somewhere," said Debbie Stellas, President and Founder of Zoi's Animal Rescue in Claremore.

"We're hearing about people moving and leaving their pets in their homes or leaving them in the yards. We hear that almost daily," said Jennifer Westbrook of the Tulsa SPCA.

While some can't help their changing lifestyle, Koch says they can take responsibility for their pets, even if they can't afford to keep them.

"There's a right way to do it and a wrong way, and we want to let people know that it's not acceptable to just dump a dog," said Koch.

If you can't afford to own your pet anymore, you can contact a rescue or shelter for help. If you own a pet, Koch stresses the importance of helping control pet overpopulation by having your furry friend spayed or neutered.

So far nearly a dozen animals have been adopted during the Tulsa Zoo Animal Adoption Awareness event.

Area rescue organizations and pets will be at the zoo on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The event is free and is held in the circle drive in front of the zoo.

If you see a pet that's right for you, the adoption process is pretty simple. You will be asked to fill out an application. If it checks out, you will be asked to pay an adoption fee. That money goes back to the rescue so that groups are able to continue caring for other animals in need of a home.

See a list of Oklahoma animal rescues.

See a list of Oklahoma animal organizations and services.

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