This is a very sad report out of Orange County, CA where the kill rate has skyrocketed as the housing slump worsens.

Just as the County of Orange rejected a mandatory spay/neuter law for pets, statistics show a 21 percent leap in the number of unwanted animals killed at the Orange County Animal Shelter over the past year, and a 3 percent drop in adoptions.

The terrible economy is partly to blame, said shelter spokesman Ryan Drabek. When money gets tight, the expense of a pet can be hard to justify. And when people lose their homes, it can be hard to find pet-friendly new digs. It’s not just a phenomenon here; it’s happening all over the place as the economy tanks, Drabek said.

* In 2006-07, the county euthanized 12,068 unwanted animals.
* In 2007-08, the county euthanized 14,642 unwanted animals.

As it mentions in the article, this is a national phenomenon, happening around the country.  There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters around the country waiting for their forever home.

October is American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month, so if you’ve ever thought about doing so this would be a great time. Isn’t it time to add a furry tail wagging bundle of unconditional love into your household?

If any Dogsters have adopted a new best friend because of American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month give us a bark and share your story.