New Mexico animal shelters report Fourth of July weekend uptick in intakes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Animal shelters continue to be overwhelmed and now they’re dealing with an uptick in surrenders and abandoned animals.

Animal Humane New Mexico is at more than 100% capacity and the Fourth of July weekend added to that.

“We do historically see an uptick in intakes, following the Fourth of July weekend, just because of fireworks the stress levels of dogs and getting out,” said Katy Olson, Animal Humane NM’s adoptions operations director. “There are lots of activities going on so we tend to see an uptick and we did see that again this year.”

Dozens of strays were taken to the shelter this weekend alone and, while some have been claimed, others remain homeless. While Animal Humane has not seen an increase in surrenders or abandoned animals- they have seen a lack of adoptions which has added to its capacity.

“When you give that pet a home, you’re allowing more space to open up for other pets in the community, that need access to those resources,” said Madison Beets, of Animal Humane NM.

Beets and other shelter officials encourage you to check in with all the animal shelters if your pet went missing during the holiday weekend.

Later this month at Animal Humane NM, adoption fees will be waived for animals six months and older. For more information, visit their website.