WABASH VALLEY (WHI) – Animal shelters across the Wabash Valley are experiencing problems due to overcrowding.
Amanda Oteberry is Park Vermilion Humane Society. She says her overcrowding has a huge impact on herself, her employees and the animals at the shelter.
“We would like to get to know some of the animals better, but that would require you to clean them, feed them and hope you have more time at the end of the day. Yes,” Oteberry said.
Rusty and Moo are two dogs who have fallen victim to overpopulation. Since Moo arrived in February, the two have been kept outdoors next to each other.
There are only a limited number of kennels available for large dogs, so the pair will have to spend time outside until space becomes available.
That can be difficult, she said, because large dogs are difficult for shelter staff to adopt.
Overall, the number of adoptions is lower than shelter officials would like.
“We're about 15 animals away from where we want to be,” Oteberry said.
Overcrowding at shelters extends beyond Park and Vermilion counties. Vigo County also suffers from overcrowding.
Maggie Wheeler is Terre Haute Humane Society.
She said the shelter has double the capacity for dogs and cats.
“We're putting animals, especially dogs, into places that aren't meant to be kept long-term,” Wheeler said.
News 10 checked with other animal shelters about overcrowding.
humane society clay, greenand sullivan It is reported that the limit has been exceeded.
Many shelters point to a combination of factors influencing this crisis, including economic issues.
Oteberry hopes things can get better because she knows it can affect everyone, including dogs like Rusty and Moo.
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