SAN ANTONIO — Animal advocates marched the downtown streets of San Antonio, lending a voice to our furry friends.
They hope to bring awareness to the amount of healthy animals being euthanized by Animal Care Services, just for shelter space.
"Anybody that lives in San Antonio knows that we have a stray dog and roaming dog problem, but they may not realize how many dogs are having to be killed because of it," said Jenna Loos, Animal advocate and rescuer.
Advocates are also calling for change within the community.
"We need mandatory spay and neuter laws. We need people to be held accountable. We domesticated these animals. It is our responsibility to take care of these animals. You got to realize I have a heartbeat, and they have a heartbeat. They shouldn't be dying in our shelters and on the streets," said foster mom Kellie Schlegel.
Advocates also want the community to realize the problem the city has. They encourage pet owners to be responsible by having their pets spayed or neutered, microchipping their pets, and now allowing let your pets to roam the streets.
If you can't donate, people can help save animals by volunteering or fostering. Fostering is free and shelters will provide food, crates, and any necessary medication, even puppy pads.
Animals need a good loving home to stay in, and you could be saving the lives of two animals.
"It's heartbreaking, when you've seen what I've seen. I've lost my faith in humanity. I really have," Said Schlegel.
According to San Antonio Animal Care Services, since the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, which began in October they have euthanized 1,891 animals, and have a placement rate of 85%.
In a statement, ACS said the following:
“Animal shelters are a direct reflection of the community they serve. San Antonio Animal Care Services is no different. Pets in need do not stop coming into local shelters and rescues and there are regularly hundreds of adoptable pets at ACS at any given time. As a community, we need to understand the very direct but preventable link between the ongoing animal overpopulation and owner irresponsibility. Existing pet guardians need to keep their pets on their property and obey our local animal laws. Would be pet parents must choose adoption to help eliminate the tragic euthanasia of healthy companion animals simply because there is no longer space at an already overcrowded shelter. Residents should consider fostering and attend the upcoming ACS Eclipse and Fiesta adoption events to support lifesaving. This march shows there is a need for our community to expect accountability not just from our shelters but from each other as well, so pets are treated with the highest standard of care. “
Advocates who attended today say they would love to see San Antonio become a no-kill city.
"I know that's going to be a long term goal, but that's something that we definitely want," said Loos.