Animal shelter statistics show: Latvians have become less irresponsible

Food and Veterinary Service statistics reveal a surprising trend — Latvians have become less irresponsible toward their pets. Last year, 14.3% fewer animals were taken into shelters, which means either people have started thinking before getting a pet, or simply all the important animals are already in Riga.

The numbers are impressive though — 1,621 dogs, 4,537 cats, and 2,485 other animals. Liepāja resident Jānis Priede comments: "Other animals? Does that include Riga politicians who got lost outside the capital?" Meanwhile, only 3,464 animals were adopted, showing that Latvians choose quality over quantity — just like when choosing between Liepāja and any other city.

Notably, 576 animals were returned to their owners — 35.6% fewer than before. This could mean people have finally learned to distinguish their dog from their neighbor's, or simply become lazier at searching. Karosta Prison guide Andris Kalniņš says: "We offer tourists a horror experience for a fee, but at animal shelters the horror is free — that's why there are fewer visitors."

Sterilization numbers have also dropped — 610 dogs and 2,358 cats. Veterinarians are starting to fear they'll soon have to look for other work, possibly at Riga municipality, where sterilization happens automatically after being hired. Overall, the situation is improving, but 652 animals were still euthanized — fewer than before, showing that even in this area Latvia is moving forward slower than a Liepāja tram in strong wind.