Husky-Craze Fallout Endures In SCC After 'Game Of Thrones' Ends

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Husky dog homelessness has prompted the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to offer free spay or neuter surgeries and microchips for Santa Cruz County resident huskies and husky mixes during the month of June. "While all breeds are at risk for overpopulation and homelessness, a high percentage of Siberian husky dogs surrendered at community shelters are husky and husky mixes," according to the SCCAS.

Santa Cruz County is not alone in its husky dog problem. Many California shelters have seen an uptick in the number of husky breeds they're intaking. Some animal advocates blame the HBO hit, Game of Thrones and its direwolves for bewitching fans. The now extinct direwolves—a close relative of the wolf—look like Siberian huskies, and they played a pivotal role in the Game of Thrones story.

“Please, to all of Game of Thrones‘ many wonderful fans, we understand that due to the direwolves’ huge popularity, many folks are going out and buying huskies,” Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage told PETA in 2018. “Not only does this hurt all the deserving homeless dogs waiting for a chance at a good home in shelters, but shelters are also reporting that many of these huskies are being abandoned—as often happens when dogs are bought on impulse, without understanding their needs. Please, please, if you’re going to bring a dog into your family, make sure that you’re prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, ALWAYS, adopt from a shelter.”

The Game of Thrones saw its eight-season run end May 19, so the direwolf craze may be ending. But controlling today's unwanted husky population still remains a challenge, which is why agencies like the SCCAS are addressing the problem. "Spaying or neutering your dog will ensure more dogs are not surrendered to SCCAS," the agency said.

In addition to reducing overpopulation, the SCCAS said spaying and neutering has medical and behavioral benefits including:

• Prevention of certain types of cancer in dogs;
• Longer life expectancy—neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than unneutered dogs, and spayed
• female dogs live 23 percent longer than unspayed;
• Spayed females do not go into heat;
• Neutered males are less likely to roam away from home and to mark territory;
• Unneutered male dogs are 2.6 times more likely to bite than a neutered dog; and
• Unaltered pets can be more destructive and high-strung around other dogs, which can lead to serious nfights and significant injuries.

Registration and scheduling for the husky spay/neuter can be completed at both SCCAS shelter locations: 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz, and 580 Airport Blvd. in Watsonville. Dog owners should not bring their animals to register and must bring proof of Santa Cruz County residency.

All surgeries are performed by a licensed veterinarian with a professional focus on spay/neuter procedures, according to the SCCAS. Surgeries include a preoperative exam by a veterinarian, pain medication and dissolvable sutures.

To receive the free spay or neuter surgery and microchip, SCCAS provides and requires a current rabies vaccination and dog license, and a blood panel test for dogs 7 years old or older. SCCAS offers these services at low-cost.

For more information, please visit www.scanimalshelter.org.

Read the full PETA story here.