Monmouth County Euthanized Far More Cats Than Dogs in 2015: Animal Shelter Statistics

Monmouth County - It's a fact that may not surprise anyone who has worked in animal rescue or trap/neuter/release programs: Monmouth County animal shelters euthanized far more cats than dogs in 2015.

In 2015, Monmouth shelters put down 920 cats compared to just 88 dogs, according to statewide data shelters are asked to report to the New Jersey Department of Health. Earlier this month, that data was released and can be found here, in a voluntary survey of the state’s licensed animal shelters.

Of the 2,283 dogs impounded at Monmouth shelters, 555 were redeemed by their owners and 1,609 were adopted. Of the 3,062 cats impounded, 86 were redeemed and 1,764 were adopted.

Monmouth County ranks about midway in the state for animal euthanizations overall. 1,017 animals total were killed in 2015 at Monmouth County shelters: 88 dogs, 920 cats and 9 miscellaneous other animals (not specified.) Compare that to Essex County, which led the state for the third year in a row, euthanizing 614 dogs last year and 1,524 cats. Gloucester County euthanized 234 dogs and 1,784 cats. Ocean County put down 144 dogs and 1,328 cats.

The numbers across most of the state are just as grim: Atlantic County euthanized 152 dogs and 1,135 cats. Burlington County put down 239 dogs, 1,089 cats and 55 other animals in 2015. Camden County killed 297 dogs and 1,077 cats.

Which counties put down the fewest animals? That would be Cape May: 23 dogs and 60 cats euthanized; Hunterdon: 10 dogs and 81 cats and Warren: 16 dogs and 31 cats euthanized. The full report can be found here.