‘We need help’: Aiken animal shelter overflows with dogs, cats
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Over in Aiken, Friends of the Animal Shelter needs your help.
They’ve seen hundreds of animals come into their care since the new year.
They’re at capacity and then some.
“It was like 143 in one week. We’re overwhelmed,” said Jennifer Miller, FOTAS president.
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They’ve taken in hundreds of dogs.
“It’s never been this high this time of year,” said Miller.
So, why is the number so high?
Miller says there are a few reasons.
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“We’ve had some warm weather with the cold weather and so that prolongs breeding season. Also, we have a shortage of vets and there are not enough spay-neuter, low-cost vet clinics. So, people have a difficult time getting their animals fixed. And it’s sort of like a perfect storm. Aiken County has seen, and the area has seen, an incredible amount of growth. But that growth brings in people and animals,” she said.
The shelter is taking in as many dogs as they can, but the dogs are already doubled up and the shelter is overflowing.
“We’ve never seen 18 puppies come in one day. That was incredible and incredibly sad. We are in desperate need of fosters,” said Miler.
They’re helping dogs in any way they need, so they’re ready for a new home.
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But they say they also need the community’s help.
“We’re asking the community if you haven’t wherewithal to come and adopt a pet, now is the time you will really save a life. And we promise you, these animals are loved and worked with, so it would be a nice fit for your family. But we just have too many and we are trying to save them, and we need help,” said Miller.
Even if you aren’t able to adopt an animal, there are things you can do to help.
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FOTAS is always taking donations for food and supplies.
You can also stop by to sign up to volunteer.
You can walk dogs, play with cats and help the shelter as they help our community.
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