51,000 Dogs Euthanized Across US Amid Increasing Shelter Intake: Report

Euthanasia rates at U.S. animal shelters have reportedly increased this year, with about 51,000 dogs being put to death as animal shelters struggle with “overcapacity” of stray and owner-surrendered pets.

Pitbulls peer from their cage at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter in San Bernardino, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2014. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Euthanasia rates at U.S. animal shelters have reportedly increased this year, with about 51,000 dogs being put to death as animal shelters struggle with “overcapacity” of stray and owner-surrendered pets.

The number of dogs euthanized at U.S. animal shelters increased by 37 percent in the first half of this year compared to 2022, Axios reported on Sept. 1, citing the Shelter Animals Count (SAC) database.