Aren most dogs dropped off at shelters or picked up by Animal Control eventually adopted?
No. In 1997 alone, Harris County Rabies and Animal Control reported that a total of 21,695 dogs arrived at their shelter. Of that 21,695 dogs, only 1,475 were reclaimed by their owners. Even less than that (539 dogs) were adopted. Approximately 350 were picked up by rescue organizations. A total of 19,326 dogs were euthanized at Harris County Rabies and Animal Control in 1997. Amazing and heartbreaking, isn’t it? Believe it or not, some owners are contacted when their dogs are picked up, and they choose to just leave them there. Dogs turned in or refused by their owners are the FIRST dogs to be euthanized.
