Economy down, pet surrenders up

BURNET, Texas (KXAN) - Some pet owners strapped for cash are downsizing their budgets by getting rid of the four-legged members of their families. Since Sept. 1, the Christ-Yoder Animal Shelter in Burnet County has taken in 106 cats and dogs from owner-surrenders. Vickie, a Chihuahua mis, arrived Sunday after spending seven years with her owner. "They didn't have the money to feed her," said shelter manager Sandra Matteson. In the four years she has worked at the shelter, she has never seen so many surrenders in such a short amount of time.

The shelter has also taken in 455 strays since Sept. 1. The $55 owner-surrender charge, which covers health expenses after they arrive, may also be contributing to the number of pets that have been dumped. "They say 'I'd rather put them out on the street than pay that,'" said Kim Wilson with the Burnet Animal Control.

There is a major strain on the shelter with so many animals coming in and a lot less that are being adopted out. Matteson said people are just not interested in incurring more costs. To make room, pets must be euthanized. "We know that we can't find homes for all of them and it just makes it real hard on everybody," said Matteson.