NYC animal shelters report rise in pet intake amid affordability crisis

• New York City animal shelters are becoming overwhelmed with pets, largely due to an ongoing affordability crisis impacting residents.
• The Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC) reported having 1,000 animals in their system last week, including hundreds of cats, dogs, and other small animals.
• Pet owners are increasingly surrendering their animals as they struggle to afford the high costs of pet care, which can amount to thousands of dollars per year.
• The ACC has suspended intake for most animals, only accepting those from government agencies, public threats, or medical emergencies, as they are struggling to cope with the volume.
• The ASPCA has also observed an increase in animals, attributing it to factors such as higher 311 calls, criminal cases, and the typical summer 'kitten season'.

IN FULL

New York City has become so unaffordable residents are giving up their pets - and shelters are packed to the gills