All over Connecticut, abandoned pets wait in silence- in backyards, alleys, and shelters. Once part of a family. Now alone and forgotten, clinging to the old memories of warmth and comfort. At Nevers Park in South Windsor a dog with the name of Charlie was found abandoned. Sadly, Charlie’s story is far from unique. Across Connecticut countless animals like Charlie are abandoned every day.
The surge of abandoned animals has shocked communities throughout Connecticut but this heartbreaking issue is part of a much larger, nationwide problem. Since 2021 countless animal shelters have seen an increase in abandoned animals. Connecticut alone has faced a 40% increase in animal cruelty cases over the last few years.
“In the last few months Protectors of Animals had more cases of owners surrendering their dogs due to homelessness,” Protectors of Animals volunteer, Ms. Dalena Nguyen said. “After Covid we had a lot of Covid dogs from people who got dogs during the pandemic but went back to work and couldn’t handle the dog.”
Abandoned animals endure many physical hardships. Left to fend for themselves, they face hunger, injury, and exposure, especially when left outside without care or protection. Malnutrition weakens their bodies and disease spreads quickly. Many, especially the very young or ill, don’t survive the struggle.
On the other hand, these animals’ pain isn’t just physical. Many abandoned animals go through immense emotional struggles such as lifelong anxiety towards people and other animals. Animals who once had love towards humans now have little to no trust for their owners.
This growing crisis has financial roots. The cost of caring for a pet has risen with the economy. The average price for a 5lb bag of food is around 20 dollars. Between vet visits, toys, food bowls and owners could be spending hundreds of dollars on their pet every few months. For families already struggling financially, keeping up with a pet becomes impossible.
“This has had a huge impact on rescues and animal shelters,” owner of Mazolu Animal Sanctuary in South Windsor, Jessica Waterhouse said. “Everyone is at or over capacity. This is not only about space in the facilities, but having volunteers help clean/take care of animals and money to feed and vet the animals.”
At shelters like Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, volunteers like Ngyuen work very hard to take care and rehome animals who have been surrendered.
“Once we receive a dog we do an intake process to determine their diet and if they will have any behavioral problems,” Nguyen said. “They get walked three times a day and fed.”
Despite their efforts, many shelters across the state are at capacity, and here in South Windsor rescue organizations are feeling the strain.
“I have received more calls about taking in animals,” Waterhouse said. “Unfortunately, I’m at capacity for dogs, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs. I do try to share other rescues I have worked with, but many of them are full too.”
Despite the growing crisis, many organizations across Connecticut continue to fight for change. Every small act of kindness can help such as considering adoption, fostering, or volunteering to make space for animals in need. Donations of food, supplies, and money can also make a major difference. With the help of the community, many abandoned animals can find new beginnings.
Here is a link to wish-list items for the Mazolu Animal Sanctuary in South Windsor to help out this holiday season: http://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/Is/1IVB47NSTP2DH7CRHJLyMkXAJpQCGv4
