An unfolding crisis driven by a steep drop in adopters, economic instability, and a nationwide veterinary staff shortage has resulted in an overpopulation of dogs living in U.S. shelters that are now at high-risk of euthanasia, according to the MSPCA-Angell.

Data from Shelter Animals Count, which tracks animal shelter numbers across the country, show dog euthanasia jumped 39% last year—from 93,697 in 2021 to 129,850 in 2022—and early data from this year suggest the upward trend is continuing.

In response, the MSPCA has announced an ambitious goal of placing 2,500 dogs—a mix of local dogs, as well as those who will be transported to Massachusetts—into adoptive homes by the fall through a series of special summer adoption events—the first of which will be held the week of June 12th. Information may be found at mspca.org/dogs.

Those who would like to donate to help offset the cost of caring for the more than 140 dogs currently in the MSPCA’s care, and to help transport more to safety in Massachusetts, may do so at mspca.org/dogcrisis.

Smudge was a small, frightened, nine-week-old bully breed puppy when she was brought to the MSPCA’s Boston Adoption Center. She had been found by Boston Animal Control at Charlestown High School on the evening of May 1. Officers brought her to the MSPCA because she was not just an ordinary stray—she needed more help.

“Smudge has a cleft palate,” explained MSPCA-Angell Director of Adoption Centers and Programs, Mike Keiley. “So [Boston Animal Control] officers knew immediately that she needed to be brought to us.”

“This kind of surgery requires a specialist,” elaborated Keiley. “It’s an expensive, complex and risky surgery, and one that Smudge needs for her to be able to live the full, happy life that she deserves.”

Given the complexity of the surgery, Smudge will need to get older before she can have the procedure. She will remain in foster care until that time, likely early this summer. The surgery is expected to cost $10,000. Those who would like to donate to offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/smudge.

It is not often that specialty breed pets come through animal shelters, and almost never do many come at once, but the MSPCA-Angell and Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS) are preparing to take in close to a dozen Bichon Frisés—small, hypoallergenic, purebred dogs. The nine dogs are flying to New Bedford Regional Airport on May 4 from Texas, where they were seized as part of an animal cruelty investigation.

This will be the largest-ever transport of Bichon Frisés for the MSPCA and—while the MSPCA and NEAS have transported thousands of animals together—this will be the first transport of the breed since the two partnered in January 2021. The dogs range in age from five months to eight-years-old. A one-and-a-half-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier from the same breeder will also come to Massachusetts in the transport.

After landing in New Bedford, the dogs will be transported to NEAS in Salem and the MSPCA Cape Cod Adoption Center in Centerville to serve out their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine. They will be available for adoption following the quarantine and after they receive any necessary medical treatment. The MSPCA will update its social media accounts as the dogs become available. Caring for these dogs is expected to cost $5,000. Those interested in donating to help offset that cost may do so at mspca.org/bichon.

Marty is quite the character. He can be easy going, but also sassy at times. He usually enjoys people, but will walk away when he needs a break. Although Marty may sound like a person you know, he is actually a 30-year-old mini pony looking for the perfect retirement home.

When Marty arrived at Nevins Farm in Methuen on December 23, 2022, he was underweight and had dental problems that made it difficult for him to eat. Since then, the Nevins team fixed his teeth, got him on a proper diet, and nursed him back to health — helping him gain more than 50 pounds. And now, as the MSPCA-Angell marks the beginning of Adopt a Horse Month in May, Marty is ready to find his forever home.

“Marty has made tremendous progress in the four months he’s been here,” said Rachel Navarro, assistant manager of equine and farm animals at Nevins. “He looks and acts half his age!”

Marty will need to be on a soaked diet and has Cushing’s Disease, which is common in older horses and can be managed with daily medication. “We’re looking for an adopter who has experience with horses and will be able to make sure Marty stays healthy and strong,” Navarro said, noting that he is an independent horse that can be alone or join a herd with a slow introduction.

Interested adopters may inquire to adopt here.