Dakin Humane Society: Why there are fewer shelter pets Updated Jan 27, 2021; Posted Jan 27, 2021 New England has been able to curb its pet population in part because people are proud to bring shelter pets into their homes. (Photo by Rebecca Laflam) Facebook Share By Lee Chambers | Dakin Humane Society People have always loved having pets, but now it’s harder than ever to find companion animals, especially dogs, here in New England. We hear about shelters in southern states like Texas or Georgia that are overcrowded with animals and may use euthanasia to control their population. So why can’t we get more of these pets transported up north to solve both problems?