News

Number of abandoned animals increases, animal attacks remain steady

By NATHAN BRUTTELL Argus-Press Staff Writer

Friday, March 27, 2009 11:43 PM EDT

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY - When the economy is bad, people are forced to move to find work, leaving behind pets they cannot afford.

During the winter and spring months the problem has only been increasing, according to local officials. Despite the growing number of strays in the county, animal attacks have shown signs of slowing.

There were 83 dog bite reports in Shiawassee County in 2008, compared to 14 so far in 2009, according to Animal Control. From Jan. 1 to March 12, 2008, there were 14 dog bite reports and only nine in that same timeframe this year.

Animal Control Deputy Lauren Shelly, who has worked for the office for more than two years, said the call volume has increased lately.

“It seems like we have a lot more strays now,” Shelly said. “We don't know the circumstances these animals were left in but we've picked up more (animals) this year than in the past.”

Animal Control Shelter Officer Doreen Hilgendorf said the office has had to take in more animals this year.

“We've been running pretty full most of the winter,” she said. “Normally the winters are times where we get to relax a little bit. This was not one of those winters unfortunately.”

Hilgendorf said that while the office cannot track animal histories, “we are certainly seeing a lot more abandonments in properties lately.”

Shiawassee Humane Society Kennel Manager Amanda Reed said she has also seen more animals brought in during the last few months.

“It's just getting worse,” Reed said. “Our waiting list for people bringing in cats is up to five months now.”

Reed said there is one bright side to the spring and summer months.

“With the weather warming up a lot more families are looking for dogs,” she said. “We've been able to keep the waiting list low with dogs because we've been able to adopt out a lot more.”

But there is also a growing number of animals left illegally at the shelter.

“In the morning I often pull in and see dogs and cats abandoned here,” she said. “We've only seen a handful this year, but it's also getting worse.”

Reed estimated the shelter sees two or three animals dropped off illegally per week.

“Especially with the economy so bad, we're seeing it more,” she said. “It's a last resort for people but we're getting it more frequently.”

Reed said if animals are dropped off, the shelter is forced to make room in the already overcrowded kennels. The Humane Society has a policy that only terminally ill or severely ill-tempered animals will be euthanized.

“But it might be something we have to change,” she said. “No one wants it to happen, but it may come to that at some point if the situation doesn't improve.”

Reed said there are several obediant dogs and cats at the Society looking for homes. She also said because the shelter coordinates with the Michigan State University Teaching Hospital and veterinary students, adoption fees are at a reduced price starting at $40. Those with questions for the Humane Society are asked to call 723-4262 or visit the shelter at 2752 W. Bennington Road in Owosso.

- Contact Nathan Bruttell at 725-5136 extension 231 or nbruttellarguspress@gmail.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.

Comment on this Story

cp wrote on Mar 29, 2009 6:51 PM:

" I called one day to check on a cat and was told it would be $60 to adopt. I was more than willing to take the cat but when you can get one for free or for less than $10 from the paper, who has $60? No wonder they had more than 60 cats at that time. "

Al wrote on Mar 28, 2009 8:18 PM:

" Cat food and dog food cost less than a cable bill, a cell phone bill, cigarettes, beer or whiskey: things a lot of "poor" people make room for in their budgets. "Hard times" is no excuse for abandoning a pet. The only excuse is irresponsibility. If you are so close to living hand to mouth that when times go bad you abandon your pet because you can't afford to take care of it, you probably shouldn't have a pet in the first place. "

DEE wrote on Mar 28, 2009 3:30 PM:

" Now I see why Animal control doesnt budge when you call and complain of Barking dogs out unattended all day and all night long. TOO BUSY! Animal owners need to show some respect for their neighbors, and keep their dogs from barking uncontrollably all day /night. This can be disturbing to those who work odd hours and need their sleep. "

mike in owosso wrote on Mar 28, 2009 3:13 PM:

" People could adopt children easier than a pet from the animal shelter.No wonder they are over crowded. "

kaylor wrote on Mar 28, 2009 2:49 PM:

" "because the shelter coordinates with the Michigan State University Teaching Hospital and veterinary students"

What does that mean? "