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Why animal shelters will be overflowing Sunday

Posted at 10:33 PM, Jul 04, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-04 23:24:40-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- When you think of the Fourth of July fireworks immediately come to mind, but for your pets the pyrotechnics are like bombs going off in the air.

Marie Jones cherishes her pit-bull "Shalexus" as the two relaxed in Byrd Park Saturday.

"This dog’s been with me since she was four weeks old. She is in the house with me. She sleeps with me,” said Jones. "She gets very excited.”

What Jones did not realize is that more pets go missing during Independence Day weekend than any other time of the year.

"I wasn't thinking on the Fourth of July because that's usually when people bring their animals out,” Jones said.

"Shalexus" and Marie Jones

In fact, animal control officials across the country are reporting a 30 to 60 percent increase in lost pets each year. And sadly, July 5 is one of the busiest days for animal shelters.

More than half of those pets are returned to their owners, but many others are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified.

Luckily, social media is helping to find an increasing number of animals or drawing attention to their plight. And while that may be the case, Jones said knowing this will keep her more aware.

pitbull

"I’ll be a little bit more cautious when I’m bringing her out here -- and I probably won’t come along. I’ll have somebody else with me so that we can keep her eyes more fixed on both of us. And then, she won’t be so tempted to run off,” Jones explained.

Experts advise to keep pets safe, make sure your dog has a collar IDs and is micro-chipped. Additionally, you can use a crate or keep animals in a room where they cannot flee.

One other method is to crank up music or your television to mask the sound of fireworks. Chewable toys or treats can also serve as a distraction for some dogs.