Animal shelters in New York City are once more accepting pet surrenders, indicating the swift opening of a new facility in the Bronx.

In a bid to address overcrowding issues and improve animal welfare, the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) is set to open its new shelter in the Bronx earlier than expected. The new facility, a $92 million project, will open its doors in January 2023, three years ahead of the initially planned mid-to-late 2026 opening.

The overcrowding at ACC's shelters, particularly at its Queens location, has been a pressing issue. With an increase in intake and lower adoption numbers, more than 1,000 animals were in the care of ACC in July alone. This resulted in cramped conditions, with animals crammed in crates and some scattered throughout hallways and offices.

However, there has been a silver lining. ACC has experienced a surge in adoptions and volunteers last month following the publicity of the cramped conditions at its shelters. The community has played a significant role in helping alleviate the overcrowding by adopting, volunteering, and spreading the word.

The new Bronx shelter, located in a community where animals are coming in, will undoubtedly improve accessibility. It will have space for about 200 animals and will include a veterinary clinic, increasing ACC's shelter capacity by a third. This will streamline care for animals in the Bronx, according to adopter Mastro.

The forthcoming ACC Bronx shelter's location will also be closer to animals coming from the Bronx, allowing for easier access to veterinary care for pet owners in the Bronx. This is a significant step towards improving the overall welfare of the animals and their owners.

The city is allocating an additional $3 million to expedite the opening of the Bronx shelter, primarily covering construction costs and staffing. The Brooklyn shelter, currently under renovation, is set to open next year, according to ACC.

Jenna Bonarrigo, animal pathways director at Muddy Paws Rescue, stated that animal welfare is directly related to human welfare. The increasing cost of veterinary care and a decrease in spay-and-neuter since the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the pet relinquishment problem. The city's affordability crisis is the most common reason owners have cited for giving up their pets, according to animal rescuers.

Risa Weinstock, CEO of ACC, expressed excitement about the new, bigger, and more modern shelters. She believes that these new facilities will not only address symptoms of overcrowding but also help in addressing root causes.

The opening of the new shelters marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of animals in New York City. With the community's support and the city's investment, ACC is hopeful that it can continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for the thousands of animals in its care.

Animal shelters in New York City are once more accepting pet surrenders, indicating the swift opening of a new facility in the Bronx.