Pets returned to shelters 'at alarming rates'

OKLAHOMA CITY —

The pandemic has created plenty of problems for people and now pets. Apparently, what seemed like a good idea is not the case for many as dogs and cats are being returned to shelters as life gets back to normal.

“I think what happened is people adopted dogs because they were home, and then their animals got used to them being home,” said Regina McCudy with Raven’s rescue.

Once their owners went back to work, things changed.

“And now they're back to work and the animals are stressed out, maybe destructive,” McCudy said. "Maybe they're soiling in the house.”

With that, people are racing to return them.

“At alarming rates,” McCudy said.

McCudy owns Raven’s Rescue, but she also works with other shelters.

“The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter for the very first time that I recall has put out a plea to the OKC population to stop bringing animals to the shelter,” McCudy said.

People are dumping pets as well and she said that isn't the way to go either. If there's any way to train and keep the animal, that's ideal. If not, shelters and rescues will ultimately take them. But shelters and rescues are reaching capacity.

“I think the day before yesterday they were at 170% capacity, so well over what they were meant to,” McCudy said.

In the meantime, McCudy said the least we can all do is spay and neuter pets.