New California Department of Health (CDPH) statistics show euthanasia rising again in 2008

July 3, 2009 - The CDPH this week released preliminary statistics for the 61 California jurisdictions that report under the Local Rabies Control Activities (LRCA) regulation. The statistics again show an increase in both the number of animals entering California municipal (city and county contracted) shelters, and an increase in total number of animals euthanized in those shelters.

Shelter euthanasia's rise 14% since 2004

According to the CDPH, in the last 5 years the total yearly number of dogs and cats entering California municipal shelters increased from 729,238 to 835,642, a 14.6% statewide increase. The total number of dogs and cats euthanized in shelters also rose, from 378,445 in 2004 to 432,512, also a 14.6% statewide increase.

The euthanasia totals do not include any of the private shelters in the state. Because of this, it may be assumed that a minimum of 500,000 pets are euthanized in California shelters each year.

The increase in animals entering shelters and the tragic increase in euthanasia rates is due to:

• People abandoning their pets because of financial problems
• Accidental litters from unaltered pets
• Over-breeding of dogs and cats
• Stray dogs and cats reproducing

It underscores the need for spay and neuter laws like SB 250.

Where these numbers come from:

Data is provided by the California Department of Public Health Local Rabies Control Activities (LRCA).
Data available online at: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/LocalRabiesControlActivities.aspx

Please note: Missing or incomplete jurisdiction data has been taken from the closest available year for the same jurisdiction for approximation. This statistical method results in a closer approximation than a simple interpolation based on the set as a whole.

Please note: The CDPH updates their data as new information comes in from missing or incomplete jurisdictions. We will update these numbers and graphs as new information becomes available.