USA

USA's Situation

　　In the U.S., about 3 million cats and dogs, or 30-40% of all dogs and cats accommodated, are killed annually (2015), but this number is on the decline. However, the number is decreasing. In addition, the response varies greatly from state to state, with some states making progress and others not.

　In the U.S., 70% of the population has pets, and people tend to be more aware of animal shelters than in Japan. Therefore, many people take in shelter cats and dogs.

Animal Shelters in the USA

　There are about 3,500 shelters in the entire United States, some run by private organizations and some by the government.

　About 6 million animals are taken to shelters each year, but only about 160,000 of them are found homes. It is clear that the burden on public shelters is great. Even so, 40% of the shelters have abolished the killing of animals, and other animal welfare efforts are being made.

There are no dogs and cats in pet stores!?

　The state of California in the United States has banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores starting in 2019. As a result, breeding for the sale of live animals is not allowed, and if you want to keep a dog, cat, or rabbit, you must take it to a shelter.

　While it is thought that this ordinance will reduce the number of unfortunate animals, some people say that it will reduce the freedom of people to choose the kind of animal they like and that it will increase the number of animals that end up in shelters.

　What do you think about this ordinance?

Summary

　In the U.S., different states have different measures in place. The existence of shelters is more well known than in Japan, and many people take in dogs from shelters. In some states, the sale of cats and dogs is banned.