HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville Animal Services is facing a problem of overcrowding due to a rise in the number of stray animals of kittens and puppies. Currently, the shelter has over 100 dogs and more than 60 cats, causing its facilities to be stretched beyond capacity.
To address this issue, the shelter is temporarily waiving adoption fees for most adult animals until the end of the month. Virgie Graham, the Interim Director, attributes this surge in animals to pet owners not spaying or neutering their pets, resulting in a large influx of animals into the shelter.
“It is crucial to remind residents that Huntsville Animal Services is not a no-kill shelter,” Graham said. “Overcrowding drastically reduces the quality of life for unhoused animals. Lengthy stays in a packed shelter often result in stressed, anxious animals that may exhibit signs of aggression if left too long.”
For those unable to adopt, the shelter offers a foster program where people can temporarily care for animals until permanent homes are found. Additionally, residents can take pets home for a weekend to provide relief from the crowded shelter environment. All animals leaving the shelter are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and ticks. They also come with a city license and a complimentary bag of pet food, while supplies last.
Huntsville Animal Services operates from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shelter will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
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