Shelters receive fewer animals after July Fourth

Early numbers indicate fewer dogs wound up at county animal shelters this year following Fourth of July festivities.

The Hawaii Island Humane Society received 24 dogs between Tuesday and Thursday, Humane Society Executive Director Donna Whitaker said in an email, which includes 12 at the Keaau shelter, 10 at the Kona shelter and two in Waimea.

Last year, the Humane Society took in 46 animals between the Fourth of July and the first few days after the holiday. In 2015, that number was 64.

This year’s tally isn’t final — Whitaker said more dogs are expected to trickle in through about Monday. But she said early numbers could indicate isle pet owners are increasingly taking steps beforehand to keep their furry friends safe.

“I think owners are understanding that fireworks are frightening for pets and are doing a better job of safeguarding them,” Whitaker said.

Animal shelters throughout the country often see an uptick in pets in the days after the Fourth of July, when animals can get loose after being spooked by fireworks and other loud noises. This year, HIHS distributed a list of safety tips advising folks to keep their pets indoors in secure, quiet areas during holiday festivities and avoid taking pets to loud firework displays that might frighten them.

Islandwide, the Humane Society collectively receives about 13 dogs on a typical day, which includes about eight each day at its Keaau shelter.

Folks who lost a pet this year are advised to visit their nearest shelter and file a lost report. Those who found a pet also can visit a nearby shelter to have them scanned for a microchip and file a found report.

Whitaker said pets that are licensed and microchipped with current contact information get returned more quickly.

Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.