I am a resident of Dallas, Texas, and I have been witnessing an alarming increase in the number of animals getting euthanized in our city. This issue is personal to me and many others who believe that every animal life matters.

Dallas Animal Services requested $114 million for a much needed new city shelter as DAS does not meet the modern animal welfare standards. Their request was DENIED regardless of the overcrowding that has lead to increasing daily euthanasia numbers to accommodate for space. Meanwhile, the Dallas Zoo received praise and funding for a $30 million parking lot expansion! Our city has plans to expand the zoo parking lot, but we believe these resources could be better used elsewhere.

Instead of expanding the parking lot for the zoo, we demand that these funds be redirected towards building a new animal shelter. According to statistics from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), about 1.5 million companion animals are euthanized in U.S shelters nationwide every year due to overpopulation issues and lack of resources. In Dallas alone, thousands are euthanized annually.

Dallas Animal Services is currently at around 170% capacity with 510 dogs housed in 300 kennels. Building another shelter would provide more space for homeless animals and reduce overcrowding in existing facilities - which is one major factor contributing towards high euthanasia rates. It would also provide more opportunities for adoption and foster care programs that give animals a second chance at life.

We urge our local government officials to reconsider their priorities and invest in solutions that will help save animal lives rather than accommodating more vehicles at our zoo.

Please sign this petition if you agree with us - let's show them how much we care about our furry friends!