NIMISHILLEN TWP. – The Stark County Humane Society is bursting at the seams and is hoping a special adoption drive starting today will help reduce the number of animals in its shelter.
The agency is feeling the effects of overcrowding nationwide, said Executive Director Jackie Godbey.
“We’ve just had a lot of animal cruelty cases this year involving a lot of animals,” she said. “One case that really caught a lot of attention was a rabbit case involving 107 rabbits, a dog and over 14 cats from a single home.”
Agency investigator Eddie Sells said the number of cases he has received appears to have decreased overall, but the number of animals affected in each case has increased sharply.
“You’re only supposed to see three or four animals, but now it seems there are more than 20,” he said. “The last time we checked, one man had more than 70 dogs on his property.”
Excessive shelter capacity resulted in animals being housed in virtually every room
Due to overcrowding, many areas of the shelter have been converted to accommodate more animals. A laundry room has been converted into a cattery, offices are used to house animals, and a new barn has been built. The room was originally used to house the 107 rabbits that the shelter had taken in, but now two horses live there.
Temporary animal quarters also include a covered garage area, a bath room, and even an area at the front door.
“We have animals in the office. We even have a nursing mother and two puppies in our boardroom,” Godbey said. “All of our kennels are full.”
She said the influx of animals puts an additional strain on staff and animals, as the animals that remain at the shelter require indefinite care.
“We do very well with the placement of cats, but we have some of our dogs that have been here for a long time,” said Godbey. “We have no time limit; these animals stay with us as long as they are friendly and healthy.”
Shelter hopes to increase adoption numbers with new campaign
The Humane Society is holding a special promotion this week aimed at encouraging more people to adopt. From today through Sunday, adoption rates will be cut in half.
“Half price applies to all animals six months or older, so you’re paying $30 to $50 for the actual adoption,” Godbey said.
In addition, there will be a “Senior-to-Senior” promotion on Sunday, where guests age 60 and older will receive discounted adoption prices.
“We’re trying to encourage more people to adopt,” Godbey said. “All of our animals are spayed, neutered, microchipped… heartworm tested, all of that is done before you take the animal home.”
