Overcrowded Animal Shelter in Florence Appeals to Community for Help
Adoption Event Aims to Ease the Impact of Overcrowding
In a response to the severe overcrowding in local animal shelters, members of the Florence area Humane Society organized a free adoption event this Saturday in a plea for community assistance. Citing a need for additional space for the animals currently housed in their facilities, the situation has become increasingly desperate.
The shelter, designed to accommodate far fewer animals, currently houses well over 350. “Our facility wasn’t built to house as many animals. It breaks our hearts to turn animals away because of overcrowding. Therefore, we implore the community to help make space for these loyal and loving creatures,” said the shelter President. “Although maybe you are not certain about owning a pet, you never know – upon getting to interact with our kittens and puppies, you might just find your new best friend.”
Devastating Impact of Overcrowding
Due to full capacity, many animal shelters across the Pee Dee area have had little choice but to euthanize many animals. In other instances, the shelters have been forced to turn away stray animals simply because they have nowhere to put them. In response to this plight, the shelter President said, “It’s a disheartening reflection on our community that we’re forced to euthanize for space. It’s entirely unfair. These animals didn’t have a choice in being brought into this world; we have an obligation as their caretakers.”
In the face of the crisis, some community members have taken on the role of interim animal caretakers. One such volunteer has offered to foster over twenty animals to keep them off the streets and ensure their wellbeing.
Urgent Request for Community Assistance
Having reached their maximum capacity, the shelter has made a heartfelt plea for help from the wider community. “The fact that we can’t take in more animals is painful. I have taken many under my wing already because I simply cannot turn them away. We are hoping for a strong community response, whether through adoption, fostering or simply volunteering,” said a local animal foster.
The Florence area Humane Society encourages those interested in helping to visit their official site for the adoption and donation process. With the community’s help, they can continue their mission of caring for and finding homes for these innocent animals in need.
