Flood of cats in Neuwied: animal shelter fights against overcrowding!

Flood of cats in Neuwied: animal shelter fights against overcrowding!

The situation in the Neuwied animal shelter is alarming. The line under Sabrina Steger reports an exorbitant increase in the number of found animals, which poses major challenges for the home. “We are very busy and can hardly accept new animals,” said Steger about the depressing situation. The animal shelter receives requests every day from people who would like to give up their animals, which does not make the situation any easier.

However, the problem extends far beyond Neuwied. According to a report by the German Animal Welfare Association, only 18 percent of animal shelters in Germany are able to take in additional animals, while 69 percent report very high occupancy. Almost half of these homes are struggling with overcrowding, a development that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Your wildlife describes how spontaneous purchases during the pandemic, taxes and pet abandonment are key reasons for this crisis.

A look at the facts

The numbers are sobering: In many animal shelters, an increasing number of sick animals are being surrendered, which severely limits the chances of these animals being adopted. 74 percent of animal shelters report that they mainly take in sick animals that require extensive care. In addition, behavioral problems in dogs often raise questions about the previous owners' expertise, which further reduces the chances of a successful adoption.

• 69 % der Tierheime berichten von sehr hoher Auslastung.
• 49 % sind vollständig gefüllt oder überfüllt.
• 74 % der Heime sehen einen Anstieg bei den Abgaben kranker Tiere.

The animal shelters are therefore faced with the difficult challenge of continuing to take in lost animals, while those given up are often referred to waiting lists. One measure that many institutions are taking is to stop admissions in order to deal with their own overcrowding. Animal rights activists are therefore demanding a greater sense of responsibility from pet owners in order to deal with the increasing problem.

In summary, it can be said that not only the Neuwied animal shelter, but numerous facilities throughout Germany are under enormous pressure. The situation will not ease as long as solutions to the overpopulation of animals are not found. Information about the current situation in the Neuwied animal shelter and the animals that can be adopted can be found on the animal shelter's website: Neuwied animal shelter.