Foreclosure Pets: A New Term Born Out Of Rising Number Of Foreclosures

Packed to beyond capacity, the pet shelters are finding it extremely difficult to manage the vast number of stranded and deserted pets that are being left behind by owners who are being pushed out of their homes due to foreclosures.

In Houston, the rising number of foreclosed homes for sale have been contributing to a large number of pets such as cats, dogs, and other household animals who are left behind in these homes with hardly any food or water. Many of these "foreclosed pets" have died horrendous deaths, while the few lucky ones who have managed to survive have an unsure future and no one to take care of them.

More prevalent now then ever before, foreclosure homes have not just become junkyards but also "gas chambers" for these silent and hapless victims. As Melanie Rushe, the Houston's Humane Society's PR directors says, "The people that leave the pets don't care enough to call us, and oftentimes we'll see a bag of dog food ripped open. They'll leave a bag of dog food and say a prayer and good luck. It's really ­upsetting."

Even as the county constables get busy handling the growing number of foreclosure pets, Houston foreclosure homes are also increasing in number forcing people to move out of their houses by taking whatever they can, and in most cases without their pets. While Texas State is inching northwards on the foreclosures by state list, the appalling condition of Houston pets makes it difficult for them to be put up for adoption and eventually many of them have to be euthanized.