Tackling Houston's Stray animal crisis

All right, Houston continues to battle one of the largest stray animal populations in the country. While local shelters are overwhelmed, one organization says the solution really starts with preventing unwanted litters. Fox26houston.com Daniel Carrasco shows us their plan to make a difference. Houston's pet overpopulation crisis doesn't just affect animals. It impacts entire neighborhoods from stray dogs roaming the streets to overcrowded shelters struggling to keep up. The issue creates safety concerns for residents and leaves thousands of animals searching for homes. Many rescue groups say one solution begins long before animals ever enter a shelter. Houston does have a very serious animal welfare issue. You know, we see increasing calls for service over time. The number of animals we're bringing in every year increases. We're trying to be proactive, allowing more intake days for the public, more opportunities to bring in animals responding to more calls. So we're having a higher response rate from enforcement. Houston's a growing city as the city has grown in human population. The animal population has grown with it. The Empty Shelter Project is working to reduce that number through free spay and neuter clinics in underserved communities. Several times each year, hundreds of pets receive surgeries, vaccinations and medical care services. Organizers say can prevent future litters and help keep more animals from ending up on Houston's streets. It's not just about, you know, bringing animals off the street. It's also working with the community, trying to teach responsible pet ownership, offering low or free spay neuter services in communities that need it. Every clinic depends on community support. Each event requires hundreds of volunteers, along with donations that help cover medical supplies, medications, equipment and staffing needs. Their goal is simple. Reduce overpopulation before it becomes another shelter emergency. This past fiscal year, we brought in more than 26,000 animals and you know, all those animals need homes and the other ways you can help out are through fostering. If you're not ready to make a permanent decision about adoption, fostering is a great way to help clear a kennel so another animal can come in and volunteer your time as well. We need support. We recently revamped the Bark Foundation, so if you're thinking of donating, reach out to them Houston Bark Foundation dot org and you can help out financially. The Empty Shelter Project says solving Houston's pet overpopulation problem won't happen overnight, but every pet that's spayed or neutered helps prevent future litters and eases the strain on local shelters. Organizers say whether you donate, volunteer or simply spread the word, the community can play a role in creating long term change. Daniel Carrasco Fox 26 News.