Upper Marlboro, Maryland (DC News Now) – Starting Wednesday, the Prince George’s County Animal Shelter will Temporarily suspend acceptance of pets surrendered by owners For the rest of this month, it cited overcrowding and cleaning protocols for disease control.
In January, Evacuation center closed due to outbreak of streptococcal infection, called Strep Zoo. The disease is still impacting the center, which has been forced to close its doors this month.
“Our facility continues to face the same challenges as other shelters across the country, including illness and the number of animals coming into our facility,” Animal Services Director David Fisher said in a news release. “When faced with these challenges, our team changes our operations to efficiently address the care and needs of our animals and staff.”
according to statement The shelter, which was released on Monday, will assist owners who wish to surrender their pets with other options through various rescue partners who have the ability to adopt animals.
Animal control officer Nelly Ortiz worries that the pets will be abandoned anyway, and many will be exposed to worse conditions.
“We're going to see a lot more animals being abandoned, and some of these animals won't necessarily survive,” Ortiz said. “My biggest concern is that they will end up with someone who is not good for them, such as potentially abusive. So my big concern when surrender of ownership is not accepted. .”
The shelter hopes to have more than 100 animals removed from the facility by next week. The company also plans to waive all adoption fees in hopes of encouraging more pets to be adopted from shelters.
Ortiz is happy for the new owners, but hopes they understand the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
“Let's say after three or two months I realize I have to walk my dog twice a day. Wow, I have to take them to the vet. We have to turn them over to a shelter,” Ortiz said. “It's emotionally difficult for the animal.”
The suspension of acceptance and fee waivers will continue until April 30th.
