MUSKEGON COUNTY, Michigan — The animal shelter that partners with Muskegon County has posted a message saying it has reached capacity and will not be taking in any more dogs. Unfortunately, this is not unusual, as overcapacity is the new normal at Pound Buddies.
There is no room left in this animal shelter.
Lana Carson, director of Pound Buddies, said: “On Thursday we were once again out of kennels. We had to call the head office and tell the police that unfortunately (so) there were no kennels available at all.”
As soon as one dog leaves, another one waits to take his place.
“It doesn’t matter how many dogs we surrender on a daily or weekly basis. There is simply no shortage of dogs coming in,” Carson said.
She says the county’s housing shortage is causing many people to give up or abandon their dogs. “There are even people who are currently living in their cars. We provide them with food and supplies to keep them and their pets comfortable.”
Another problem, in her opinion, is that the dogs are not neutered or sterilized.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of pregnant bitches coming in and delivering litters. Someone just brought in three puppies, the last ones they couldn’t get rid of from an ‘oops’ litter,” Carson said.
To relieve capacity, Pound Buddies needs more people to take in dogs and puppies.
Carson said, “Not all animals can adjust to life in a shelter, especially animals that have been part of a family, a heart and a home. It’s extremely stressful.”
If you would like to adopt a dog or become a foster parent, you can visit the Pound Buddies website.
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