LUBBOCK, Texas — More than 160 pets have been “owner surrendered” to Lubbock Animal Shelter in the past month.
According to directors of the shelter, it’s an ongoing problem year round, but becomes worse when summer months arrive.
“We’ve heard almost every excuse in the book, mostly concerning behavioral issues, or payment issues,” said Steven Greene, Director of Lubbock Animal Shelter. “In the summer it gets a little worse and we have even had people give them up because of vacation plans.”
According to LAS, there are plenty of valid reasons to giving up a pet due to age, or medical ability, but usually does not fall under this category. Instead, families will treat the shelter almost like a kennel and inquire about their surrendered pet’s condition weeks after being given up.
“It’s pretty upsetting when that happens,” said Kaylee Smith, Assistant Director of Lubbock Animal Shelter. “You need to be 100 percent sure when you give them up, and if you are at all concerned then you probably shouldn’t be bringing them here.”
However, the shelter will take in most “owner surrenders,” and place them within the facility. Directors asked the community to have this as a last resort.
