Title: San Diego Humane Society Faces Record Intake of 268 Animals in One Day, Urges Community Support
It was an unprecedented day for the San Diego Humane Society on Thursday, as the shelter experienced a record-breaking intake of 268 animals in a single 24-hour period. Already operating over capacity, the organization now cares for 1,678 animals and urgently calls on the public for help through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donations.
“Everything from the feeling of being overwhelmed, to empathy for the animals and their owners, and deep gratitude for our hardworking staff,” said Nina Thompson, spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society.
Full List of Animals Rescued in One Day
Here’s a breakdown of the animals brought in:
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96 guinea pigs from Escondido were surrendered by an owner who could no longer care for them after moving. “They will be spayed/neutered before adoption,” Thompson said. “But some may be pregnant, so those 96 could quickly multiply.”
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50 chicks, abandoned at a post office after being ordered online from Utah and never picked up. “Backyard chickens are amazing; they give us fresh eggs and great company,” Thompson noted.
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11 adult cats, 28 kittens, and 5 dogs from severely overcrowded shelters in Los Angeles.
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1 horse was found abandoned on tribal land on the San Pasqual Reservation and surrendered by tribal police.
- 77 other animals were surrendered at the Humane Society’s San Diego campuses.
“We had to act quickly. There was no option to wait,” said Thompson. “Housing and medical plans are being arranged, but this horse needed immediate care.” In addition to Thursday’s intake, Thompson says the shelter is already taking in around 50 kittens every day due to kitten season.
“We were already over-capacity before this happened,” she said. “If you can donate, foster, or volunteer, help us out. If adoption isn’t an option for you, even sharing our posts on social media helps.”
The San Diego Humane Society is a committed zero-euthanasia shelter, meaning every adoptable animal is guaranteed a chance at life. To encourage adoptions, the shelter is offering 50% off adoption fees for the next week. That brings the cost to adopt a dog or cat down to around $50.
