By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998300.mp3
Mount Vernon, NY – Animal Shelters across the Hudson Valley are reporting an increase in Pet adoptions this month ... more from Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas.
2011 has been a tough year for many of us - and equally tough for our four-legged friends - particularly those in need of new homes and new masters. Dana Rocco is the New Rochelle Humane Society's Shelters Manager - she says this month more dogs and cats than usual found new homes. Unfortunately, some shelters in areas affected by flooding from tropical storms Irene and Lee, have seen an increase in the number of unwanted animals that they've had to put down.
Nationally, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 50 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats in shelters are euthanized for the sole reason that there's no home for them.
Patty Oddoux volunteers at the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, where she fervently works to get animals placed in good homes Oddoux says euthanization can be difficult to avoid - especially if a shelter runs over capacity. She adds that the adoption rate at Mount Vernon has gotten exponentially better thanks to the internet.
The Dutchess County SPCA has been awarded an ASPCA grant of $10,000 to support canine enrichment and training. Officials explain that learning commands and how to wait patiently helps dogs behave better when they meet potential adopters and to transition them into a new home faster.