Animal Shelter Overcrowded; Needs Community Support

The Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter continues to care for about 20 dogs seized from a Stephens County home last week.

Authorities seized the dogs from a home on East Silver Shoals Road and charged the owner with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Executive Director Jeff Roberts said that those dogs remain in the care of the shelter as the case makes its way through the court system.

“We have had them examined by a veterinarian from Atlanta Humane for the court case,” said Roberts.

In the meantime, last week’s seizure of dogs has put the animal shelter in a situation where it is currently housing the highest number of animals it ever has at 231.

Roberts said the shelter is only staffed to provide care for 150 animals.

“The shelter was already kind of overwhelmed with 130 kittens, in addition to adult cats and dogs we had,” said Roberts.

According to Roberts, the shelter staff is struggling to provide daily care for all of the animals such as veterinary care, daily feeding, and cleaning, even with the addition of new cages that were funded by a grant.

He said the community’s support is needed greatly.

“It could be volunteers, either financial (donations) or donated products, and we are also looking for foster homes,” said Roberts.

Roberts said the shelter is in desperate need of volunteers to help with daily feeding and cleaning, as well as donations of either cash or supplies to help provide care for so many animals.

He said supplies needed include bleach, laundry detergent, paper towels, canned dog and cat food, bath towels, and dog treats.

For more information on how to help, call the humane shelter at 706-282-3275.