Shelter Statistics
It is a sad but very real fact that animals are destroyed at the Ventura County Animal Shelter. While every effort is made to either locate the animal owner or find a qualified, loving adoptive placement, the situation is that there are still more animals than there are responsible animal owners. Over 2200 animals are turned in to our Shelter by their owners each year for a variety of not so valid reasons Top 10 Reasons for Relinquishment.
Unfortunately, a large number of the dogs passing through our facility are undisciplined, un-socialized, ill mannered, ill-tempered street dogs of either pit bull or chow origin. These dogs are virtually impossible to place in homes and there are few if any Rescue organizations dealing with those breeds and mixes. Last year there were over 700 feral (wild) cats brought into the Shelter that could not be handled, socialized or adopted. While there are several local Rescue groups caring for feral colonies, their resources and volunteers are limited and they are unable to take on such a large number of additional cats to monitor and care for. These are facts, not excuses. Until the people of Ventura County become more responsible animal caretakers we will continue to have to kill animals. But there is hope. Over the past 20 years (PDF stats) there has been marked improvement in reducing both the numbers and percentages of animals destroyed each year. Adoptions are up thanks to the tireless work of the dozens of Rescue Organizations that we work with. Unwanted animal births are down thanks to the efforts of many local spay/neuter advocacy groups and organizations and reclaims by owners are steadily increasing due in large part to the success of the microchip program.
We still have a long way to go if we are ever to achieve our goal of NO UNNECESSARY animal deaths. In order to attain that goal we must rely on the people of Ventura County to become responsible animal caretakers, to realize that the adoption of an animal is a commitment for the life of that animal and that living animals, unlike Chia pets, are not disposable.
Robert Valentine, the creator of "In Hope, an animal shelter story" is a full time pre-vet student at California Lutheran University, a U.S. Navy veteran and a veterinary assistant at our Camarillo Shelter. All of the animals seen in his film were cared for by Robert and our veterinary staff and are true representatives of the animals that pass through our lives every day. This video may be difficult to watch but watching is not nearly as heartbreaking as living with this reality.
2008-2009 Statistics
2007-2008 Statistics
2006-2007 Statistics
2005-2006 Statistics
2004-2005 Statistics
2003-2004 Statistics
Related Links
National Council on Pet Population
National Statistics
HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates
The Asilomar Accords
