409 Cats, 52 Dogs Euthanized at Middlesex County Animal Shelters Last Year

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

In 2015, Middlesex shelters put down 409 cats compared to just 52 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.

The good news is Middlesex County is on the low end in New Jersey for animal euthanizations overall. 472 animals total were killed in 2015 at Middlesex shelters: 409 cats, 52 dogs and 11 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.