Fireworks Spur Surge, Euthanasia at Crowded Shelters

Animal shelters across the U.S., including cities like San Diego, Bakersfield, El Paso, Tucson, Cleveland, and Lorain County, have seen a dramatic rise in lost and stray pets following Fourth of July fireworks, leading to severe overcrowding. Some shelters, unable to manage the influx, have resorted to euthanizing dogs due to lack of space, while others have reduced or waived reclaim and adoption fees to encourage pet recovery and adoptions. Experts urge owners to keep pets indoors, secure, and microchipped during fireworks and recommend using anxiety aids. Owners are also advised to report lost pets to shelters, use online databases, and post on social media to increase chances of reunion. The crisis underscores persistent issues of pet abandonment, economic hardship, and highlights the need for community involvement in fostering and adopting shelter animals. Proactive planning remains essential to prevent pet distress during holiday celebrations.