More missing pets at Amarillo shelter around July 4th

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) - As expected, Amarillo's animal shelter is packed with lost and stray pets in what the shelter calls one of the most crowded weeks of the year.

Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare said it has seen a 50 percent increase in animals entering the shelter over the last three days.

The shelter believes the sound of fireworks and other different noises during holiday celebrations have triggered the spike in animals.

"This is the busiest time of year for us, not only in the terms of just normal intake, but also due to the elevated sound levels that the fireworks cause," said Richard Havens, Director of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare.

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"We've probably seen about a 50 percent uptick, just with the Fourth of July," said Havens.

In the last three days, they've taken in 66 animals.

Only a small portion of those have been reclaimed.

"We want citizens to come down to the shelter, look at the animals here if they're missing one," said Havens.  "Do not wait. We need you guys to come down to the shelter that way we can get you reunited with your lost animal."

That number could continue to rise as holiday celebrations last.

"Fireworks don't just stop when the Fourth of July is over, they're going to continue on until everyone has used all their fireworks up," said Havens.

In times where more animals are coming in, microchipped pets could make the reuniting process easier on the shelter and the owner.

"We have a slim line which is a smaller diameter needle for $10 dollars and then we have a normal gauge needle for $5 dollars," said Havens.

While some who came into the shelter were unsuccessful in finding their pets, Havens says not to give up hope.

"Jump on Facebook, look at all the local pages, we have a lot of amazing citizens that they have found as well as animals that they have lost," said Havens. "A lot of animals get reunited outside of the shelter which we're very grateful for. Always go to the social media sites and look for your lost animal on there, as well as even Craigslist."

Havens would like remind people to take safety measures as fireworks are expected to continue throughout the weekend.

If your pet does stray, visit the shelter as soon as possible.

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