![](https://www.danvillesanramon.com/news/photos/2023/august/10/26979_col.jpg)
Dexter, a 6-year-old pit bull mix found by SRPD officers in the back of a box truck last year, is among the animals up for adoption at the county animal shelter, which is now at capacity. (Photo courtesy of Contra Costa Animal Services)
Contra Costa Animal Services officials are seeking dog lovers who can provide temporary or permanent homes for larger breeds to ease the growing pressure on the agency’s full shelter that is forcing them to consider euthanizing animals healthy due to lack of space.
“Today, our medical and animal care staff informed me that due to the large number of dogs currently in our care and the number of new animals arriving each day exceeding those adopted, rescued and returned to their families, we are now “We are faced with the impossible dilemma of having to make euthanasia decisions based on time and space,” CCAS Director Beth Ward said in a civic alert.
“Unfortunately, this means it is possible that healthy/treatable animals may be euthanized to free up space for other animals in our community who need help,” Ward added.
Despite efforts to draw attention to overcrowding at the county animal shelter over the past year, Ward said the flow of rescued animals arriving at the shelter has continued to outpace their adoption rate, which which has resulted in a critical situation facing the agency – and pets. in his shelter — and Ward’s cry for help last week.
“For months, we faced the challenges of overcrowding, limited resources and tirelessly dedicated staff who gave their all to care for these innocent lives,” Ward said. “But today we find ourselves at a crossroads, facing an unimaginable decision: if we do not act quickly, we may have to make the heartbreaking choice to euthanize some of the dogs and cats we have the guard.”