The incident comes after First Coast News reported in November about unhealthy conditions at the shelter, which leaders say are now being addressed.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds of dogs and cats at the City of Jacksonville Animal Shelter are looking for furry homes. On Saturday morning, the city's Animal Control and Protective Services shelter opened its doors and kennels for a free event to promote pet adoption.
The event will follow first coast news Allegations of unhealthy conditions at shelters were reported in November, which leaders say are now being addressed.
The ACPS shelter houses nearly 300 dogs, but there are only 264 kennels, and some residents, like Elaine Basham, are concerned about overcrowding.
“We heard that the dogs were sleeping in feces and the food wasn't very good,” said Elaine Basham of the Duval County Dog and Cat Citizens Group.
Read more: 'Sad, deplorable' are the words used to describe conditions in kennels at Jacksonville Animal Facility
In November, first coast news After receiving a photo of a dog kennel covered in feces, I reported on the situation at the shelter.
Since then, Mayor Donna Deegan said the shelter's budget has increased by more than $500,000 and shelter leaders have introduced new policies to improve the situation.
“They are very keen to ensure the facility is cleaned regularly and have enough volunteers to regularly take the animals out for walks while the animals are waiting to give birth. We're also making sure they can grow up and be adopted,” Deegan said. “There are a lot of animals that want a forever home.”
The ACPS director said Jacksonville residents are up to the challenge of supporting shelters as well as adoptions.
“We've seen an increase in adoptions, an increase in volunteer hours and an increase in the number of foster homes,” said Michael Bricker, Director of Animal Care Services. “We're getting the word out in a big way, and Duval County residents are responding.”
For those who are unable to help adopt a pet, ACPS is always looking for volunteers to help with services such as dog walking.
For more information about volunteering with Animal Control and Shelter Services, please visit click here.
