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Hard Times Bite Dogs, Cats

Out of work owners leave pets at shelters

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 6:15 AM CST

(Newser) – As man's bills pile up, man's best friend is all too often getting the heave-ho, reports the AP in a look at the economic impact on animal shelters across a recession-battered America. As dogs and cats of broke owners stretch shelters to their limits, the sinking economy also cuts into the number of people who would adopt them. The result? Increasing euthanization. "It's been devastating," said an emergency-shelter spokeswoman. "For somebody to say, 'I can't afford to feed my dog'—it's a humbling time."

Four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. "It's definitely discouraging for us," said a Humane Society spokesman. "One of our major goals is to develop and celebrate the bond between people and animals. It's so tragic when families reach a point when they can't afford to care for their pets."

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Animal shelters across America are filling up with pets whose owners have fallen on hard times and can't afford to feed them. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)

Animal shelters across America are filling up with pets whose owners have fallen on hard times and can't afford to feed them. (PRNewsFoto/American Humane Association)

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It's been devastating. For somebody to say, 'I can't afford to feed my dog,' it's a humbling time." - Amy McNally, a spokeswoman for the Help Out Pets Everywhere program.

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Hard Times Bite Dogs, Cats