Why are animal shelters sometimes referred to as the pound?

The term "pound" is derived from the practice of impounding stray animals, which dates back to the 17th century. In England, stray animals were often captured and taken to a public pound, where they would be held until their owners could claim them. If an animal was not claimed within a certain period of time, it would be sold or euthanized.

In the United States, the term "pound" was adopted by many animal shelters and humane societies. However, the term is now considered outdated and offensive by some because it can evoke negative associations with the treatment of animals in the past. Many animal shelters now prefer to be called "animal shelters" or "humane societies" instead.