Massive Influx of Dogs Overcrowds Local Shelters

The Santa Cruz Animal Services Authority and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are experiencing an overload of dogs and puppies, officials said.

Although the shelters successfully place many pets every month, the dogs are arriving so quickly that the kennels and yards are filled to the brim, according to the SPCA.

The sudden canine influx is likely a result of the declining economy and the unplanned or unlicensed breeding that is illegal in Santa Cruz County, officials said.

The dogs available for adoption are a variety of ages and breeds, including 10-week-old Rottweiler-mix puppies to 10-year-old Chihuahuas. There are also purebred poodles, terriers, Catahoula hounds and dachshunds.

With puppy and kitten season on the way, the shelters urge potential adopters to open their homes to a needy animal.

To see a list of adoptable animals from the Santa Cruz SPCA, you can visit santacruzspca.org. Visit scanimalservices.us to see adoptable pets from the Santa Cruz ASA.

The ASA is a county-run shelter that provides many animal services to the community, such as low-cost vaccinations, licensing, adoptions and animal control.

—Bay City News Service contributed to this story.