City of Charlotte issued the following announcement on Sept. 9.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care & Control division (AC&C) is sending out an urgent plea to the community today as animal intake, specifically canine, has increased, causing already full kennels to reach maximum capacity.
“This situation has quickly become urgent,” said Josh Fisher, director of Animal Care & Control. “Shelters are always more crowded in the summer months and this year has not been any different. We have monitored the situation closely the past few months and have finally reached a point that we need to reach out to the media to share our message and share our urgent need with the community. Community members are being urged to consider adopting an animal this weekend or take a dog on a staycation for several days so that we are able to care for new intakes.”
Fisher said he has confidence in the Charlotte community, which is consistently supportive of the shelter and helping animals in need.
“We know that our community cares and has always responded quickly to our shelter pets in times of desperate need,” Fisher said. “This is one of those times we really need help.”
How the community can help the animals in our care:
Take a Dog on a Staycation for a Long Weekend
A staycation is available to people who cannot commit to adopting a pet, but want to help by taking a dog home for up to five days to give it a break from the shelter environment, and provide it the benefits and experience of living in a loving home.
Foster a Dog
Consider a longer term foster assignment. Fostering reduces long-term boarding of animals who can suffer from kennel stress, which often leads to behavior issues.
“Foster-centric” is a trending term that describes a new model for animal sheltering. It puts animals who are ready for adoption in homes in the community, leaving space at the shelter for the animals who need special care or management.
Adopt
If you have been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, there is no better time than now.
Adopting one animal will save two lives by saving the one you adopt and the one who takes its place.
Original source can be found here.
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