In the month of June alone, nearly 1,000 animals were taken to the Pell City Animal Shelter – 818 to be exact.And in the early days of July, the number of additional cats and dogs being brought in shows no signs of slowing.
That puts an unfair burden on a facility already overloaded with unwanted animals that wind up at the shelter. And it makes the shelter’s mission of placing these animals in homes that much harder.
The burden could ease, though, if residents took the responsibility they should, making sure that cats and dogs are spayed and neutered.
Veterinarians in the area work closely with the shelter to reduce the price for those who have a tough time paying, and shelter workers and volunteers do all they can to make sure animals are placed in good homes.
But the real duty lies with those who have pets. They should act responsibly and have their pets spayed and neutered, helping to control a burgeoning population.
In far too many instances, unwanted litters of puppies and kittens are left on the doorstep of the shelter. Those who leave them there think workers will find them a home, but that can’t always happen, especially with the high numbers being left at the shelter.
It is long past time for residents to do their part in controlling this fast growing problem. The shelter cannot do it alone, it needs your help.
