WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A recent study by Shelter Animals Count shows euthanasia rates have climbed to a three-year high and North Carolina ranks second behind Louisiana for euthanizing shelter pets per capita.

WECT has teamed up for the tenth year with NBC to get as many animals as possible out of shelters and into loving homes. The Clear the Shelters campaign is set to run through September 10.

This year there are five animal shelters and two rescue groups in our area participating:

• New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit
• Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services
• Pender County Animal Control
• Columbus County Animal Protective Services
• Onslow County Animal Services
• Feline Matchmakers
• Paws Place Dog Rescue

This year is a first for Paws Place Dog Rescue and Onslow County Animal Services .

“We’re hoping that we can get more exposure to the animals that we rescue here and find loving home for some of the ones that perhaps have been overlooked by others over the years,” said Lee VanOrmer, with Paws Place Dog Rescue.

“We’re super excited to be able to now host our first, hopefully annual event of Clear the Shelters and see some more animals find homes,” said Tyler Moore, with Onslow County Animal Services.

It seems to be a never ending struggle for the people who work everyday to find “furever” homes for all the animals that wind up in their care.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of pets coming in the shelter. And that’s not just here in Pender County, in the Cape Fear region. That is a nationwide issue,” said Jewel Horton, with Pender County Animal Shelter.

“Pet overpopulation is an epidemic. There are not enough low-cost spay and neuter facilities. Then there are people that don’t believe in spaying and neutering animals,” said Stephen Watson, with New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit.

There are thousands of animals in shelters and foster homes right now hoping someone will give them a second chance.

For the next month we will work closely with our shelter and rescue partners to find forever homes for the thousands of animals in our area who deserve nothing less.

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