Press Release

Nearly 1,000 More Animals in Charleston, S.C. Have a New “Leash” On Life Since Launch of ASPCA Mission: Orange Campaign

Increased Adoptions Play Key Role in Overall Live Release Rate

April 29, 2009

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK—The number of dogs and cats that left animal shelters alive in Charleston, S.C. over the past year rose by 25 percent (equivalent to a 5.8 percentage point increase in the overall live release rate), compared to the same previous 12-month period, with adoptions playing a key role, according to statistics provided by The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®).

The statistics reflect the period between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, which was the first year of the ASPCA^® Mission: Orange^™ campaign, launched in Charleston on April 22, 2008.

Live release rate, which includes cats and dogs that were adopted, returned to their owner, or transferred to other agencies and rescue groups for adoption totaled 986.  Adoptions alone were up 21 percent (3,720 total, compared to 3,070 during the same period ending in 2008), and returns to owner and transfers to other organizations also led to the 5.8 percentage point increase in the overall live release rate, which rose from 37.7 to 43.5 percent.

“We applaud the hard work and dedication of our Charleston partners in their efforts to bring their community one step closer to being a true humane community, one in which no animal is euthanized simply for lack of a home,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres.  “These latest findings reaffirm our confidence in the power of collaboration among organizations that share a common goal—to provide positive outcomes for at-risk animals—and they are proving to be a life-saving force.”

Targeted spay/neuter efforts toward pets belonging to low-income families also paid off  in Charleston during the year-long time period.  A total of 3,643 cats and dogs were altered, which represented a 12 percent increase over the same period the previous year.

“Preventing unwanted animals is key in the fight against pet overpopulation,” said Sayres. “By spaying and neutering we’re not just exponentially reducing the number of homeless pets, but we’re also reducing common issues such as spraying, roaming and heat behaviors. The health benefits also make it worthwhile: pets live longer, remain healthier, and risks of certain cancers are eliminated.”
 
The ASPCA Mission: Orange partners include Charleston Animal Society and Pet Helpers, two new animal shelters that include high-volume spay/neuter clinics, and Humane Net, a non-profit group focused on advocating for animals and educating the community, and supporting other organizations with similar objectives. All three organizations experienced a record-breaking year.
 
The ASPCA is investing funding and resources over a three-year period in each of its partner communities, including Charleston, to build sustainable models that will boost live release rates for unwanted pets. The ASPCA has partnered with five other communities: Gulfport-Biloxi, Miss.; Spokane, Wash.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Tampa, Fla.; Austin, Texas, and most recently, Oklahoma City, Okla.

For more information about ASPCA Mission: Orange, please visit www.aspca.org/adoption/aspca-mission-orange.

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