More animals, fewer donations
The Butler County Humane Society has been taking in a larger amount of stray cats and dogs recently — some with health problems the shelter must treat before putting them up for adoption.
The humane society canceled its monthly food giveaway in September — usually for owners who need help feeding their pets — so the shelter could have enough kibble to feed its own animals.
This has left the humane society in desperate need of dog and cat food to feed its own animals.
“It seems like people aren't giving as much food now,” said Cari Ciancio, executive director of the Butler County Humane Society. “It has been a juggling act, because we rely completely on donations of food to feed our animals.”
According to Ciancio, a higher cost of pet food and supplies is likely the reason the humane society has been struggling with donations and getting in more animals. The shelter also gets monetary donations, which it uses to buy food and provide medical treatment for animals, but those have also slowed.
Ciancio said several outside factors are affecting humane societies all at once.
“We definitely need a lot right now; we are pretty short on space at this time because our stray numbers,” Ciancio said. “It's not a new issue for animal shelters — a lot of them are thinking it's post-COVID and people are back to work and can't take care of their animals.”
About one-fourth of the humane society’s operating budget is spent on medical bills. Ciancio said the increased intake of strays has put a strain on the medical bills, which can be a compounding issue since animals with health problems tend to stay in the shelter longer.
The shelter is currently building up an account for donations for owners of pets with medical needs, called the “Zeza Fund,” after a shelter dog who has needed a lot of treatment.
“These animals who have more extensive histories need medication, that is all very expensive, and people are not adopting these animals because of that expense,” Ciancio said. “Frankly, we've seen some animals here in very rough shape. A lot of times when animals have extensive medical issues the owner can't handle, they will get dumped or euthanized, unfortunately.”
During the winter holiday season, it’s common for the humane society to see another increase in animal intakes. Ciancio said the Butler County shelter is getting ready for that period now, as well.
“Around the holidays people will give up their animals because they are leaving, and there is no place to put their animals,” Ciancio said. You wouldn’t think they would do it, but they give them up to the shelters.“
People can make donations by contacting the humane society, by phone at 724-789-1150, or on its website at butlercountyhs.org.
