Animal Shelters in Spain at Breaking Point: 33 Pets Abandoned Every Hour

Animal shelters in Spain are struggling to cope with the influx of abandoned pets, especially during the summer months. Every day, shelters across the country take in an average of 785 animals, or 33 every hour. In 2023, shelters received over 286,000 dogs and cats. While nearly half are adopted, a significant number are returned to their families or placed in foster care, leaving over 80,000 animals permanently residing in shelters. Despite the steady rate of abandonment and adoption, shelters are calling for more people to adopt. The summer months see a spike in abandonment due to holidays and the breeding season for cats. Workers at shelters are exhausted, working long hours to care for the animals, with limited resources.