Kenny Torrella writes shelters began filling back up in 2021 as more animals entered than left, and now many are packed to the brim. He cites survey data from Shelter Animals Count indicating almost half of shelters surveyed reported an increase in euthanized dogs, while only 10 percent reported a decrease.
Torrella identifies inflation, veterinary costs, rebalancing of consumer demand and behavioral issues as some of the reasons for dogs being relinquished. He also notes the increasing interest in cats.
Source: Vox, August 16, 2023. Link.