Full house: Humane Society has run out of room
ONTARIO — Life at the Humane Society of Richland County is even more hectic than usual these days.
The local shelter is at full capacity.
Director Linda Chambers said there were 20 dogs on hand as of Friday.
"A good number for us, because the shelter is so small, is between 12 and 15," she said.
One of the reasons for the increase is an April raid in which 17 dogs were confiscated from a neglect case.
"We've gotten some of them adopted," Chambers said. "They all had health issues and zero socialization as a result of being in crates."
Most of the dogs, she added, are larger breeds at least 5 years old "and not necessarily as adoptable as you would like."
Still, 10 of those dogs have been adopted. One died, and six remain at the shelter.
There are other issues.
"We've had so many dogs returned," Chambers said. "We have an influx of dogs on tap with the ones we already had."
One of the reasons behind the increase is the number of people who are going back to the office after working from home during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"People are saying they don't have time for them," Chambers said.
She said people are often quick to return an animal without giving it time to adjust to new surroundings.
Chambers added if the situation does not work out, she would prefer people return the animals to the humane society rather than try to rehome them on their own.
In addition to the dogs, Chambers said the facility has about 50 cats. It is kitten season, after all.
"One cat brings four or five babies," she said.
Chambers said adoptions have decreased significantly, even with kittens.
"Typically, we would have two or three (kitten) adoptions a day," she said. "Now we're seeing four or five total at the end of the week."
The humane society currently is offering $25 off all adoptions. Cats are $35, while kittens are $60. Dogs are $150, and puppies are $200.
"That includes everything — vaccinations, microchips, spay and neuter," Chambers said. "We have a lot of amazing adoptable animals right now. I think summer is a great time to find a new best friend."
For now, staffers are trying to get through this slump.
"I'm really hoping this turns around soon," Chambers said. "The more we get out of here, the more we can help."
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
Twitter: @MNJCaudill
About the Humane Society of Richland County
The local humane society is located at 3025 Park Avenue West in Ontario. The hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
It is closed Tuesday and Sunday.
For more information, visit adoptourstrays.com.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Humane Society of Richland County operating at full capacity
