Las Vegas NowMore Animals Abandoned as Economy Falters

More Animals Abandoned as Economy Falters

Lied Animal Shelter says financial troubles have led to an increase in animals being let loose and the problem could get worse as the economy sinks further.

As many people cut back pets seem to be left in the cold. Dogs and cats are being abandoned at an alarming rate according to the Lied Animal Shelter.

Many must fend for themselves to find food. Only the lucky ones are found by animal control and adopted out.

The face of economic hardship comes in all shapes and sizes. The co-director of Lied says they can directly link more pets coming in related to the economy.

"Dogs and cats, we estimate about 15-percent increase," said Jim Seitz.

The animals in these cages have all been branded unwanted or lost. As more dogs come into Lied some will go home with an owner like Seth Samuelson, "People are getting dogs instead of kids. They are less expensive than most things."

He adopted Calliope in February and now wants to find her a friend. He budgeted for his first dog and now for a second, "It's not as expensive as people think. Yes, you can have medical issues. They do eat. It's still a lot less expensive than a lot of other things."

Still, some people cannot afford even their homes and the pets suffer.

"Generally the ones that we find are either confined in a home or chained in a backyard. They do scavenge obviously," said Seitz.

That scavenging can lead to bites in the search for food. Clark County Animal Control data shows an increase in the number of animal bites each year since 2005. We are on pace for the largest jump this year, but no one can say the economy is the exact reason.

There were three high profile attacks in November. A two-year-old boy and a horse were killed. Those dogs will be put down.

The shelter has one goal for the others who end up in these cages, "To get the animals into a safe and loving home. We would like to have as many as possible in a home for the holidays."

Lied says they have tried aggressive promotions to offset the increasing number of dogs and cats coming in. This Saturday the shelter will make all adoptions just $25, that includes spayed and neutering. Normally a puppy costs $155.