ISSUE

Broward should be a safe, stable place for both humans and animals to live in harmony. Unfortunately, last year approximately 10,000 dogs and cats became homeless and more than 12,000 native and non-native animals in crisis needed help.

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The unwanted cats and dogs are often surrendered to public shelters or become strays. Without a safe permanent home, more shelters, adoption programs, or medical care, these roaming animals become a nuisance and ultimately become impounded and euthanized in some cases.

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This has become even more vital during these unprecedented times with the community-wide disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The impact is felt across all sectors and is posing extraordinary challenges for animal welfare nonprofits to fulfill their mission and to help the animals and pet owners they serve cope with immediate needs and stresses. Although animal rescues across the country saw a spike in adoptions and foster applications at the start of the pandemic ;today the reality of trying to continue animal rescue efforts and adoptions has become increasingly difficult in the wake of social-distancing restrictions.  

To ensure Broward’s animals, both wild and domesticated, are treated with respect and live safely without threat, abuse or neglect.

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Animal shelters and rescue organizations caring for domesticated and wild animals are forced to stretch their resources to the brink to accommodate all the homeless, at-risk, or injured animals. We believe that the character of our community is reflected in the way we treat our animals. In the wake of the pandemic, pet owners are struggling to care for their furry friends. Owning a pet can be costly if the pet gets sick or if the owner must relocate and sometimes their new home won’t allow pets. For example, during the month of August, 585 dogs and cats were admitted to Broward County Animal Control, while only 327 found a forever home through adoption. But the good news is the shelter intake rate is declining and can be attributed to more spayed and neutered kittens and cats.

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Our wildlife continues to be displaced due to Broward’s growing population and encroaching developments. The result is homeless, injured and/or orphaned animals in need of rescue, rehabilitation, and later to be released back into their natural habitats.

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We want to create an environment where our domesticated and wild animals can live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. Sick, injured and homeless animals deserve proper treatment, protection, and care.