Tulsa, OK — As temperatures soar, Tulsa Animal Welfare is grappling with a surge in homeless pets. The shelter, located on Erie Avenue, is struggling to accommodate the influx of new arrivals daily, exacerbating concerns about overcrowding and disease spread in the heat.
According to Sherry Carrier, Manager at Tulsa Animal Welfare, the situation has reached critical levels. “There’s definitely an overpopulation crisis for cats and dogs,” Carrier stated, noting that the summer months typically coincide with a spike in breeding and homeless animals.
Local resident Alexandra Harris found herself unexpectedly becoming a foster mom to two dogs, Greta and Henry, following a recent thunderstorm. “Greta is a puppy who appears to have been used for breeding. I believe this was her second litter. She lost her babies,” Harris shared, emphasizing the urgent need for homes and medical care for these animals.
Harris, who took in Greta and Henry due to the overwhelming need, highlighted the trauma many shelter animals face and the importance of finding them suitable homes. “I have never met nicer dogs when they’re in the right situation and they feel comfortable,” she said. “They’re traumatized, so they need the right home.”
The challenges faced by Tulsa Animal Welfare are not unique. Last week alone, the shelter took in 139 cats and dogs, surpassing its capacity. Carrier anticipates the situation will worsen during the upcoming Fourth of July week, traditionally the busiest intake period of the year.
“We’re in a facility that is not up to date or large enough to handle these surges,” Carrier admitted, noting that the shelter is in dire need of improvements. To address these challenges, Carrier’s department is seeking $3.7 million in donations to fund a larger facility.
Both Carrier and Harris urge the community to step up and support local shelters. “We do have some really great community members, and there is no way we can manage the population that we do without them,” Carrier emphasized.
Reflecting on her experience, Harris echoed the sentiment, urging responsible pet ownership. “It just really takes a community effort to remember to spay and neuter, and to not go try to buy puppies because there are so many great dogs at our shelters,” she said.
As temperatures continue to rise, so does the urgency to find solutions for Tulsa’s homeless pets. The plea for support from Tulsa Animal Welfare and dedicated individuals like Alexandra Harris underscores the community’s pivotal role in addressing this ongoing crisis.
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