If you’ve considered adopting a dog or cat from the Portage Animal Protective League, it’s an ideal time. The agency, in fact, is practically begging for help.
According to June 1 posts on the APL’s Facebook page, the organization is “overwhelmed” by an influx of 40 dogs and cats that have filled the building.
“It’s probably getting closer to 50 at this point,” Chalan Lowry, executive director of the Portage APL, said June 2. “And we might have more coming in.”
The APL was closed June 2, to give staff a chance to care for their new charges, with plans to reopen at 11 a.m. June 3.
Lowry said the situation stems from an unusually high number of reports involving neglect and hoarding of animals. In some cases, a few animals were rescued. In others, more than 20 were seized.
“It’s been a lot at once. More than we’re used to handling,” said Lowry.
No charges had been filed, but Lowry said active investigations are ongoing in at least two situations.
While none of the new intakes are ready for adoption, the APL has plenty that are.
“We have lots of other animals waiting to be adopted that are healthy and been here for awhile,” said Lowry. “They are lovely and just sitting here.”
Lowry estimated the APL has nearly 100 cats at its facility at 8122 Infirmary Road in Shalersville, which can “comfortably hold 60 to 70 cats.” The building also is housing about three dozen dogs, but only 25 kennels, she said.
“We’re full,” she said. “We don’t have any [available] dog cages at all. I currently have four cats (in cages) in my office.”
She added that the cat play room, usually an open area for cats to socialize and be met by adopters, is currently holding a number of cages filled with cats.
Lowry said she is reaching out to other humane societies in the region to see if they can take some of the overload.
“Hopefully, that will pan out some,” she said. “And then, obviously, we’re asking the public to adopt. We need animals to get out of here so we can care for the ones coming in.”
Lowry said nearly all of the new dogs and cats have issues that must be dealt with. This includes parasites, fleas, malnutrition, respiratory and ear infections and dental problems. She expected most would be seen by veterinarians by the end of the day June 2.
“They may uncover more things,” she said. “Almost all the animals that came in are in some sort of disrepair.”
Lowry estimated that as many as 15 dogs and as many as 40 cats are ready for adoption. There also is a group of puppies, 8 to 9 weeks old, that should be available soon, possibly by the end of the week. Kittens are also ready, but adoptions have been stalled because they are in foster care and cannot currently be brought to the APL’s building.
In addition to the critical need for adopters, Lowry had a couple of other requests.
“The biggest thing, besides needing donations, is please spay and neuter your animals,” she said. “It really would make our jobs easier and less stressful and would be better for the animals in general. There are just so many being born.”
Check Portage Animal Protective League’s website at portageapl.org for details about animals available for adoption and services, such as a low-cost spay and neuter program. The Portage APL also can also be contacted at 330-296-4022.
Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage Animal Protective League needs help amid influx of neglected animals
Reporting by Jeff Saunders, Ravenna Record-Courier / Record-Courier
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