Politics & Government

Should Contra Costa Animal Shelters Release Cats into the Wild?

See the number of cats and dogs euthanized each year by Contra Costa County's Animal Services Department.

With the goal of reducing the number of animals killed in California's animal shelters, a coalition of animal welfare groups are proposing shelters be allowed more flexibility when dealing with cats and dogs in their care.

The ideas include releasing vaccinated and fixed cats into the wild and allowing people to adopt dogs with shorter wait times, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. 

Here is the full California Sheltering Report from the working group, which was started in 2012 to help animal shelters and animal welfare organizations cope with budget shortfalls and meet the state policy of limiting euthanasia.  

Between 2007 and 2012, Contra Costa County's Animal Services Department euthanized an average of 3,258 cats a year, and 2,467 dogs a year. 

Contra Costa Animal Services Department killed more healthy dogs in 2011 and 2012 than in the previous four years combined. 


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