FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Animal shelters across Kentucky are reaching capacity to accept dogs as they face a growing number of stray dogs and more owners surrendering their pets. be.
The Franklin County Humane Society currently has more than a dozen dogs on its waiting list to be surrendered to the shelter.
Just last week, the humane society was forced to expand beyond its regular kennel space to make room for additional dogs.
“This was definitely one of the most difficult intake periods in my 10 years with this organization,” said Kelly Lowery, executive director of the Franklin County Humane Society.
Franklin County isn't alone.
Similar problems are occurring at shelters across the state. Among a long list, Fayette County, Estill County, Anderson County and Kentucky River Area Animal Shelters are similarly struggling to meet demand for their shelters.
Even statewide rescue organizations like KY Hopeful Paws Rescue are feeling the strain.
“Like most shelters, we're flooded,” Megan Berger said.
The organization received 47 adoption requests for dogs on Wednesday alone.
“It's all over the state. Every shelter is almost full, and every time a shelter opens, people hear about it and head to that shelter to abandon their shelter,” Berger said. Told.
Both Lowry and Berger say economic hardship is contributing to the problem, as more people surrender their pets to shelters.
“For example, a bag of regular cat food was probably $8 to $10. That's now a bag of cat food that's $15 to $20,” Lowry said.
According to a recent study from Veterinarians.org, dog food prices have increased by more than 45% on average since 2020.
Rising veterinary costs are also something to consider.
Rising housing costs and rental rules regarding pets, especially in Franklin County, are contributing to some of the pets surrendered to shelters, Lowry added.
Both Lowry and Berger urge people to spay or neuter their pets to prevent the problem from worsening.
“The more we can do, the fewer stranded animals will have to find homes,” said Rowley.
