Animal Shelter Still Crowded

The Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter continues to deal with overcrowding at its facility.

Shelter Director Jeff Roberts updated the shelter board on that during its monthly meeting on Monday.

Roberts said that the shelter has continued to see a significant increase in the number of animals coming into the shelter this year.

He said that 42 percent more animals have come into the shelter during the just completed first quarter of the shelter’s fiscal year than what was budgeted for when the fiscal year started for that time period.

“We have taken in 200 more animals as we have taken in as of this time last year,” said Roberts.

Roberts did say that one reason that the number of animals coming into the shelter is up is because of an increase in the number of animals that the animal control officer is bringing in.

According to Roberts, last September, animal control brought in 22 animals. This past September, that number went to 98.

Roberts also said adoptions are up.

However, he said that the high number of animals at the shelter on a regular basis is taxing the shelter’s budget early in the fiscal year.

“So far for the first three months, we are operating at a negative,” said Roberts. “I am trying to juggle where I can, but things like animal food and medical care there is no way to (not) be over budget in those areas.”

He said hopefully donations will pick up towards the end of the calendar year to help with funds.

Roberts said the shelter is planning a fundraiser next month and will have more information on that soon.

Also, he said the shelter continues to offer special adoption deals in an effort to help animals find new homes.

Those deals include the “Pick a Pair” program, which allows adopters through the end of October to adopt a dog or cat at a regular adoption fee and get a second one at no charge.

Also, Roberts said that any animal that has been at the shelter for 100 days or more can be adopted for half of the regular adoption fee.

For more information, contact the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter at 706-282-3275 or stop by the shelter on Scenic Drive.