Clark and Champaign shelters see increase in number of stray and returned animals

There are 42 dogs at the shelter, which accepts donated supplies, including Iams’ food, cleaning supplies, leashes and collars.

The Clark County SPCA, which only operates on donations, fundraisers and grants, has also noticed an increase in the number of stray animals, including owner releases, cruelty and hoarding cases. , said Executive Director Krissi Hawke.

The SPCA has taken in 419 animals since January, including 126 dogs, 291 cats, a donkey and a pig. A total of 39 animals were returned after adoption, but have since found new homes.

“Most stray dogs go through our dog sitting office. We have a contract with them to bring us stray dogs when we need them. We accept owner surrenders where space permits, but with larger dogs we prefer to post a courtesy item on our Facebook page to help owners themselves place their own dogs in a new home. if possible, ”Hawke said in an email. “We accept stray / owner released cats, but we have a waiting list to bring cats / kittens in as soon as we have room. “

The SPCA has 70 house and foster pets, and needs collectable cat litter, original Pine-Sol scent, liquid laundry soap, pork dog treats and paper towels .

A Champaign County shelter sees an increase in homeowner transfers.

“We’ve had several ‘stops’ and want to surrender, but we need an appointment to get there and now we have a whole list. We have also experienced “dumps” with cats / kittens, “said Tiger Franks, executive director of the Champaign County Animal Welfare League in an email. “People don’t understand that when an organization is full, they’re usually overcapacity and can’t handle anything else… if we overload ourselves, we can’t do justice to any of our animals.”

Since January, the AWL has taken in 119 dogs or puppies, 12 cats, 55 kittens, 12 rabbits, two birds or ducks, a hamster and a stray piglet. AWL has 30 dogs or puppies, eight cats, 38 kittens, 13 rabbits and a hamster.

“The stray population has also increased, but this time of year is always an increase in stray animals,” Franks said. “The cat / kitten population has increased dramatically, possibly due to the inability to perform sterilizations / spayings, not only due to quarantine / COVID, but also the need for vets and veterinary technicians.”

Franks said they even had to shut down their clinic until they hired a vet and technician back, leaving them with a backlog for the animals they serve.

By the numbers

309: Strayers picked up by Clark County Dog Shelter since January.

419: Number of animals, including a pig, the Clark County SPCA has picked up this year.

119: Number of stray dogs or puppies recovered by the Champaign County Animal Welfare League since January