NYC animal shelters overwhelmed as owners give up pets in record numbers

The population of stray dogs in the city’s animal shelters has dramatically increased this year, stressing out both animals and staff in increasingly crowded, smelly and noisy facilities.

The three Animal Care Center (ACC) shelters took in more than 1,200 stray dogs during the first five months of the year – a roughly 50% increase from the same period of 2022, according to agency data.

The stray dogs are one factor fueling a dramatic increase in abandoned animals that is pushing shelters far beyond what ACC calls its “humane capacity.” A common reason for surrendered pets is that people simply can no longer afford them, data shows.

At the East Harlem animal shelter on East 110th Street, kennels have been halved to make more room for dogs in need of homes.

“So we are overpopulated. And with overcrowding comes a lot of issues. You know, physically for the animals, it’s hard for them. It’s noisy, a lot of barking. But also mentally, it’s really hard for them,” said ACC spokesperson Katy Hansen during a tour of the agency’s East Harlem shelter this week. The barking creates such a cacophony that staffers use earplugs to protect themselves from the din.

Many of the stray dogs are younger than 4, Hansen said. That age tracks with the record number of animals adopted by New Yorkers during the pandemic. And as the shelters swell with surrendered pets, some of the pandemic pups may have been turned out onto the streets as well.

Hansen said stray dogs are typically found wandering city streets or left tied to a fence.

Malik Mitchell of East Harlem found one of these strays – a friendly young white and brown dog – tied to a pole on 106th Street.

Mitchell brought him to the East Harlem shelter to be checked out for a microchip that might have his owner’s information. If no one claims the dog, Mitchell said he’s planning to keep him.

“He don’t got a name yet,” Mitchell said, affectionately rubbing the dog’s ears. “Got to see what…