Arizona Dog Shelter Begs for Help to Stop Euthanasia Amid Heat Wave

An Arizona shelter took to social media in a desperate plea to get animals adopted as the summer heat plows its way into the state and the euthanasia list continues to grow. Like animal shelters across the country, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) is overcapacity by hundreds. The kennels have to be split with one dog inside and the other outside 24/7 and as the "brutal" heat continues to swelter the state, the shelters are trying everything they can to keep the dogs cool. However, the swamp coolers used are not sustainable. A June 11 Instagram video posted by @sarah.and.thedogs shared a glimpse into what the animals are experiencing in the 100-plus degree weather at all three MCACC locations. There are over 800 animals in the MCACC system with dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes available for adoption. The harrowing caption begins with, "We are in a crisis Arizona," with the overcrowding expected to worsen in the coming weeks.

"We need to get the word out and get people to go into the shelters and adopt," the video creator Sarah told Newsweek via Instagram. Sarah said the shelter is expecting many more dogs to end up in care centers because of the fireworks and July Fourth holiday coming. In preparation, the shelter is adding dogs to the euthanasia list now, which is why she is sending out a plea for adopters or fosters to come forward. "Due to overcrowding, MCACC has decided they are putting more dogs on the euthanasia list to try and get numbers down," she added. "It is a devastating time right now." At the moment, 67 animals listed on the MCACC website are considered "priority," meaning they are at risk of euthanasia if the shelter does not find an immediate outlet for them. Some animals may need extra support for behavioral issues or medical attention, while others are struggling in the shelter environment. Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, the 24Pet "Shelter Watch Report" found. Around 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized every year. Shelters are striving to minimize euthanasia rates by promoting adoption campaigns, spaying and neutering programs, and behavior rehabilitation. The heartbreaking Instagram video reached nearly 30,000 views, 773 likes and 79 comments as of Monday. "Begging those to adopt from the humane society! I did last Dec 22nd and it was the most rewarding experience I have had acquiring a wonderful dog! He's my heart! Please save lives!!" shared one commenter. Another added: "These poor babies, I can't wait to buy my land and save as many of these babies as I can." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup.