Posted: October 9, 2008 3 a.m. EDT
Animal adoptions in Tampa, Fla., increased by 65 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the ASPCA. |
Animal adoptions in Tampa, Fla., increased by 65 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to statistics released by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Additionally, the return-to-owner-rate increased by 4 percent, and targeted spay/neuter surgeries increased by 17 percent.
The ASPCA partnered with several humane societies and animal shelters in Tampa in 2007 as part of its Mission: Orange campaign to provide positive outcomes for homeless cats and dogs. Over the first half of 2008, the efforts of the Hillsborough County Animal Services, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, No More Homeless Pets — Hillsborough County and Animal Coalition of Tampa resulted in these successes:
- The live release rate increased by 8.7 percent.
- Adoptions increased by 65 percent, with 1,265 more cats and dogs finding new homes.
- Target spay/neuter increased by 17 percent, with 1,090 more cats and dogs receiving the surgeries.
- Returns to owner increased by 4 percent.
“Our Tampa partners have made great strides to improve the lives of animals and to help end the needless euthanasia of companion animals in shelters,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “The ASPCA Mission: Orange effort has helped drive the effort to increase the live release rate for Tampa’s unwanted animals, and we’re happy to have played a role in this progress.”