I don't know about the specific article Malacasta read, but here are several that talk about the general increase of abandoned pets. It's not just the States.

BBC Article

Wales Online

Springfield IL (US)

Santa Cruz Sentinel

A quick Google search turns up a ton more.

It bothers me that a large number of pet owners seem to view their pets as discardable entertainment. It's fine when the pet is fun, but when it becomes a responsibility it gets dropped off on the side of the road. I know some people do the same, more or less, with their children and many other responsibilities in their lives, but still.

At the same time, it reminds me of some of the efforts I've seen lately (like the Dog Whisperer TV show) to encourage people not to make those spontaneous "aw cute" decisions to take a pet home.