The number of homeless animals is on the rise. People are abandoning their pets like never before. All types of animals are being dropped off at shelters across the country. Many more are being set loose on the streets and more are being discovered on abandoned properties. The struggling economy has hit the country hard and the animals have become one of its worst victims.
The very places people rely on to help all of these animals in need are in dire need of help themselves. Across the nation animal shelters are struggling to stay afloat, with donations barely trickling in and adoptions slowing down. Without the help of these shelters, animals are in danger of remaining homeless and dying unloved.
The animal shelters hit the worst are the ones that are needed the most – not for profit, no kill shelters.
Owen County Humane Society of Spencer, Indiana and Hudson Valley SPCA of Orange County in New Windsor, New York are two such shelters that are facing possible closure. This would leave over 275 dogs and cats with no place to go. Both shelters are in desperate need of both volunteers and donations.
Owen County Humane Society provides “shelter and humane treatment to lost, homeless or abandoned animals” while working to find these animals permanent homes. They “promote and support spaying or neutering of pets as overpopulation control” and help “responsible pet ownership through education and community involvement”. This shelter is offering $25 off the adoption fee for any animal adopted during their next board meeting, scheduled for October 12, 2011 between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. They have two upcoming fundraiser events for cleaning IU Memorial Stadium, scheduled for October 9, 2011 and October 30, 2011 between the hours of 7:00am and 9:00am. At least 30 volunteers are needed each day for the shelter to receive compensation.
Hudson Valley SPCA was founded in 1889 and is a not for profit, no kill shelter that “offers behavioral training and assistance and rescues and rehabilitates abandoned and neglected animals” while adopting out animals to permanent homes. They work in conjunction with law enforcement to fight against and prevent cruelty to animals. They are the only shelter in the county to help on animal abuse cases. Hudson Valley SPCA has an on-site thrift store and an online store where a small percentage of the proceeds goes directly to the shelter. They are also having a fundraiser on October 6, 2011 at Christopher’s Bistro in Chester, NY. For all sales between 5:00pm and 10:00pm, 20 percent will be donated to the shelter.
It is the animals that will lose out if these shelters close. Not only will over 275 dogs and cats possibly die, countless more will never have a second chance. If you are interested in volunteering, donating or adopting, please visit the Owen County Humane Society or the Hudson Valley SPCA. You can also find them on Facebook at Owen County and Hudson Valley.