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Humboldt’s increasing dog population has reached a crisis. There are pit bulls everywhere, rampant sarcoptic mange and too many puppies. We have owners who can’t afford to spay or neuter, or refuse to do so.

It’s a culture in Humboldt County, and the dogs and the county’s animal shelter are the ones suffering the repercussions.

It’s a sad situation that never lets up, and despite all efforts from the shelter, volunteers, local rescuers, foster families and the community, it’s getting worse.

This year the Humboldt County Animal Shelter has been over capacity almost constantly. And although the number of cats and other animals is slightly down, they’ve received over 150 more dogs than last year.

From January 1 through the middle of December this year, the shelter has had a an intake of 1,171 dogs, compared to last year, which was 1,017 dogs. According to the shelter’s statistics, that’s the highest yearly intake of dogs in the shelter’s history since it opened in 2004.

“There does seem to be some influence from the trimmigrants or transients in the area that have their animals that are breeding and having puppies,” said the shelter’s facilities manager, Andre Hale. “We have a mother dog and her five puppies with us that did belong to a transient that got arrested and is still in jail. Now we still have his dog and her puppies as well.”

In this LoCO Video Report, we hear more about the statistics and numerous issues surrounding the dog crisis, and what’s being done about it. Plus: We get to meet some of the beautiful dogs at the shelter.

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