Though fireworks are illegal within Dallas, their continued use leads to a spike in lost pet intake during the first week of July, said DAS Interim Director MeLissa Webber. We are already full, so this increase comes at a particularly challenging time and could force our staff to make difficult decisions in the coming days. One of the most important things residents can do to prevent a capacity crisis at DAS is to ensure their pet is safe and secure at home and isn t adding to the problem.
According to a survey conducted by the ASPCA, nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud noises.
Earlier this year, Dallas Animal Services readied itself for a deluge of pet surrenders as people started losing their jobs because of the pandemic. Fortunately for local animal advocates, though, that wave has yet to crash.
Instead, the city’s overall intake has dropped and the pet adoption rate has climbed, said Ed Jamison, director of Dallas Animal Services. The area’s animal lovers have been able to retain their pets by and large, but Jamison said he’s still worried about the upcoming months.
“I think once certain eviction moratoriums lift, that’s what we’re all really, really scared of,” he said.