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Denmark’s animal shelters struggling to keep up

The number of animals being housed in ten Danish shelters has risen by 30 percent in the past year and caretakers are stuggling to look after so many animals.

Some 2,000 animals are being housed in just ten shelters across the country, according to Dyrenes Beskyttelse, the animal welfare organisation

The number has risen by 30 percent since last year – and the season is not yet at its peak.

“It is a sadly high number, which unfortunately is increasing every summer,” said Karina Fisker, the head of  Dyrenes Beskyttelse’s shelter program.

“Last year we also had many animals that needed help, but this year we’re overflowing! Our boarding schools are full to bursting point, and our employees and volunteers are struggling to keep up.”

Volunteer shortage
In 2021, nearly 800 families fostered animals through Dyrenes Beskyttelse’s shelter program. This year, however, fewer families are opening their homes to animals in need.

“This year we have noticed that people have had many summer plans, as it has been difficult to find enough volunteer foster families,” said Fisker.

“It is simply not possible to save so many animals, without the invaluable help we get from the volunteers.”

Dogs, cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds are among the animals being sheltered by Dyrenes Beskyttelse. The organisation encourages prospective foster families to contact a local shelter through its website.