WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (PBCACC) is grappling with a dire situation as its kennels reach a “critical level” due to being “dangerously full,” officials report.
Assistant director David Walesky expressed concern over the overcrowding, stating, “Unfortunately, we are very crowded. We have to pair dogs up, when sometimes dogs don’t really want to be paired up, but we don’t have a choice.”
With over 200 dogs currently housed in a facility with only 148 kennels, the shelter has been forced to utilize smaller overflow kennels to meet the demand.
Addressing the origins of these animals, Walesky explained, “Every scenario you can imagine, whether it’s people getting evicted, whether it’s surrenders coming in, strays, we get animals in from a variety of sources as well as like crime scenes.”
The summer season typically sees a surge in animal intake, exacerbating concerns about the shelter’s capacity to accommodate incoming animals.
Walesky emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are too many dogs here, and we’re trying to do everything we can to get them out of here alive.”
In response to the overcrowding, the shelter has initiated measures to encourage adoptions and foster care. Adoption fees are being waived through June, and they are actively seeking foster families who can provide temporary care for dogs, even if it’s just for a week.
Lead volunteer Heather Smith outlined a short-term foster program in collaboration with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue, aimed at ensuring the safety of eligible dogs and providing them with a reprieve from euthanasia.
Smith highlighted the financial challenges facing pet owners, referring to them as an “epidemic” that is exacerbating the shelter’s overcrowding crisis.
PBCACC is appealing for volunteers to assist with dog walking and enrichment programs, particularly during the busy summer months.
With the shelter stretched to its limits, the community’s support through adoptions, fostering, and volunteering is crucial in ensuring the welfare of these animals during this challenging period.
