The Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society recently posted a graphic on Facebook showing the comparisons between the Austin animal shelter and the Amarillo animal shelter.
According to the graphic, Austin is almost 4 times as big as Amarillo, yet its 2016 intake of animals at the animal shelter was only 4,000 higher than that of Amarillo. Amarillo had more field calls than Austin in 2016, 34,000 to 30,000. The budget for the Austin shelter is much higher than that of Amarillo's, $13.08 million to $2.47 million. The Austin animal shelter also has three times as many budgeted staff positions as Amarillo.
The Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society released these numbers along with a plea to local residents to spay and neuter pets.
"Spay and neuter your pets. PLEASE stop backyard breeding." The Humane Society wrote on Facebook, "Amarillo doesn't need any more Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds or whatever other dog breed you can think of. We have plenty. Stop blaming shelter workers, and officers. They are doing their best day in and day out"
"Step up, volunteer, foster, adopt, help us, help make a difference!" The Humane Society added.
Photo by the Amarillo-Panhandle Humane Society