Humane Society sees big uptick in abandoned pets
Dogs and cats are being abandoned at a rate the Lawrence Humane Society has never seen. Enlarge video
Pet owners are giving up their dogs and cats at a rate the Lawrence Humane Society has never seen before.
It’s another sign of bad economic times, Humane Society director Midge Grinstead said.
“It’s horribly sad. These people are coming in, and it’s not what they want to do,” she said.
Since July, the number of pets brought to the society’s shelter by former owners has been on the increase. In November, owner turn-ins made up 69 percent of all animals the shelter received. Owner turn-ins amount to 45 percent in a typical month, Grinstead said.
Normally, people turn in their pets because they are moving and won’t have room for them or because of an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens, Grinstead said. Now it’s because they can’t afford to care for the pets or they have lost their homes, she said.
Shelter operating costs increased and donations to the Humane Society were down 2 percent in 2008, Grinstead said. City and county government funding had been reduced over the past two years. Grinstead said four jobs at the shelter were eliminated.
But the society got a boost recently with a donation of $25,000 from Haase & Long Inc., a Lawrence debt collection firm. The firm has been making the same annual donation anonymously for several years. This year it went public, hoping to draw attention to the society’s needs and spur more donations, chief executive Devon Kim said.
“We look to Midge and her staff as some of the greatest caretakers of animals,” Kim said. “Midge is a professional, and we trust her 100 percent.”
Moreover, people in the firm, which is owned by Kim’s father and stepmother, John Haase and Lyn Chance, are animal lovers, Kim said.
“We do what we can personally, but there are so many animals that need that additional help,” she said.
Grinstead said she is in awe of what Haase & Long does each year, noting that donations are critical to operations.
Overall, in 2008 the shelter received 3,500 dogs, 3,200 cats and 700 handheld pets such as rabbits and gerbils. Adoption rates have been mixed. They were down in October and early November until the shelter offered two pets at the cost of one fee.
Adoptions were good in December, even though animals are not allowed to be adopted to be given as Christmas gifts, Grinstead said.
Comments
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yellowhouse (anonymous) says…
I wish I had an extra $25,000. I would give it to you guys too.But right now I just trying to pay my taxes, and not get arrested again and again and agian and again....
willie_wildcat (anonymous) says…
This is just so sad. Every time the economy takes a nose dive the pets suffer horribly. People have been leaving their pets as they abandon the homes they cannot affford anymore or if a job is lost or money gets tight it is usually the pet that is hurt. I have 3 cats from shelters and 1 German Sheperd that is a rescue kid and my heart goes out to these folks that don't want to let their 4 legged friends go but don't have a choice. I wish I had some serious money laying around that I could give them. I usually try to donate food and other items that they need the most. It's not much but I know it is greatly appreciated.
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
Even if you don't have $25,000 to give, don't let it stop you. My company set it up so many of us take just a few dollars out each paycheck for the Humane Society. In little bits, it doesn't take a "bite" out of our own budget, but we are also able to help out the shelter.
persevering_gal (anonymous) says…
Thank you Haase & Long Inc.!
redmoonrising (anonymous) says…
Too bad we can't use the "light one candle" concept. If everyone gave just one dollar, think what a difference that could make. And it could make a difference without putting a heavy financial burden on anyone that couldn't afford more. Maybe a bunch of us could volunteer to do a "Donate a Dollar" day for the humane society. Or posters of a dog "Beggin' for Bucks." "Purring for Pennies" make not cut it dollarwise but think of the cute kitten asking for donations! Imagine how much could be collected just from the schools alone if they could go along. Downtown and outside major retailers and grocery stores could bring in lots. Then again, there may be laws against this. Just a thought and all volunteer so no administrative costs.
UpperLawrence (anonymous) says…
We set up a monthly contribution with the shelter - a little bit every month. http://www.lawrencehumane.org/help/co...
Parrysmom (anonymous) says…
What is really sad, is all the people out there breeding dogs despite the economy crashing. They are doing it just for the money, and it's just not right. They could care less about the well being of the dog, just as long as they get money in their pockets.
denak (anonymous) says…
I am just thankful that the pet owners are bringing the animals into the Humane Society where they can be warm, fed and hopefully adopted again.I have read some horror stories of pets being left in foreclosed houses, without food, left to breed indiscriminately, and without any heat. It is sad when you have to give up your pet but at least they weren't totally abandoned.Our rabbit, Chris, was given to the Humane Society when he was 3 or 4 years old. We adopted him 6 years ago and am grateful that we have him. I really hate to think what would have happened to him had they just set him "free" in a field somewhere.I don't know their reasons for abandoning him. I just glad that they gave him to the Humane Society and that the Humane Society was there to help him until we adopted him.Dena
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…
In September I brought home a cat from the shelter. Deion is a five year old orange tabby and they said he had been at the shelter for about eight months. They were so happy when I picked him instead of a kitten. It took almost two months before Deion started to settle in and become comfortable with his new surroundings. The whole family adores him. Whatever Deion wants, Deion gets. I was very impressed with the staff and how well they handle things out there. I am appalled at the sheer number of cats and dogs. I wouldn't think there could be that many in Lawrence. Perhaps a campaign to get people to spay or neuter would be a better approach.(I know some people who should be neutered, but that's for another post). You can't expect vets to give this service away free as they have expenses also. At least the animals are taken care of in that respect when they leave the shelter, which perhaps is the most we can hope for at this point.
jayhawkster (anonymous) says…
Well that's cool. At least I know that the debt collection agency that garnished the wages I used to feed myself and my dog will now get a tax break by helping to feed my dog. Also ironic is that I now substitute catfood for tuna in my sandwiches. Happy new year!
lisabeth2002 (anonymous) says…
Does anybody know the requirements for shots for you current animals? We currently own one dog and plan on adopting another this month. I know you have to be up on your shots...but I'm not sure which ones??? Rabbies and kennel cough??
jcstepmom28 (anonymous) says…
Lisbeth, Rabies is the only one required by law I think. But please get the distemper/parvo series too, this is a really deadly disease. If you can't afford the vets in town and can make a trip, Eudora Vet has reasonable prices. If you can travel even further The Pet Connection (http://thepetconnection.net/) has clinic days with a sliding fee scale based on your income.
trinity (anonymous) says…
is that adorable dog in the picture *really* a NINE week old springer spaniel??? gawrsh they make 'em big. i would so adore a doglet or catlet-but we just are not home enough to properly care for one!
geekin_topekan (anonymous) says…
Rabies shots are about $8.Give or take a buck,depending on where you go.Be sure to get a certificate.You can give a 5-1 upper respiratory shot yourself for about $5 from the feed store.Be sure and read your adoption agreement before you sign.You might be giving the humane society authority to drop in and inspect your home for the rest of you and your new pet's life.
yoornotmee (anonymous) says…
Mr_Nancy_Boy_To_You (Tom Shewmon) says…Are PETA loons usually pro-abortion?------------------------I'm not sure what kind of point you're tying to make, but PETA members are often pro-life. Sure, there are some who are pro-choice, but a huge percentage of them are pro-life, for fetuses, animals, adults in prison, everything. Some are even pro-life for plants and bacteria, though they are in the minority.
greenworld (anonymous) says…
Jefferson County Humane Society (KS)15295 K-4 Hwy · PO Box 57 · Valley Falls KS 66088 · 785-945-6600www.jfcountypets.com · email: jfcountypets@gmail.com Home About Us Get Involved Lost & Found Adopt A Pet Volunteering Application Liability Waiver Donations Giving Options Our Wish List Adopting a Pet Adoption Application Our wish listThe shelter needs the following items. Please drop off donations at the shelter during our hours of operation, or call 785-945-6600 to make an appointment. Thank you!* Cash Donations* 33 Gallon or Larger Trash Bags * Large Pet Scale* Kitty litter (non-clumping clay)* Paper towels* Bleach* Kitten & puppy food* Canned cat & dog food* Towels & blankets* Pet carriers (all sizes)* Stamps* Non-destructible dog toys and doggie treats* Sponges & scrubbers* Dishwasher detergent* Laundry detergent* Hand dish detergent* Copier Paper* Pet shampoo* Grooming supplies* Stainless steel bowls* Igloo dog houses (large)* Wire floor crates/kennels
greenworld (anonymous) says…
Im pretty sure that Jeff Co shelter is by donations only and doesnt get any funding. Please help as shelters all over the place are getting dumped on and having problems keeping up. The smallest things help such as bleach, paper towels, towels and blankets and any other cleaning supplies listed above. Just remember just because you may not be able to adopt you still can make a difference and donate stuff. Thanks and may God bless.
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
imnotyoo (Molly Lang) says… "Mr_Nancy_Boy_To_You (Tom Shewmon) says…Are PETA loons usually pro-abortion?––––––––I'm not sure what kind of point you're tying to make"You must not be too familiar with this poster. Why make a point when you can post a potentially inflammatory association in less time?
labmonkey (anonymous) says…
Damn evil economy....it should be thrown in jail for abusing these pets. Where are the Animal Cops when you need them.
sustainabilitysister (anonymous) says…
don't breed or buy while shelter animals die. It's all about supply and demand.
Confrontation (anonymous) says…
The economy is hurting humans. I don't care about the humane society.
lisabeth2002 (anonymous) says…
really?? really??? w o w!
labmonkey (anonymous) says…
sustainabilitysister-You mean no sex and we have to put all our money in savings? How does that affect the kill rate of shelter animals?
Strontius (anonymous) says…
"The economy is hurting humans. I don't care about the humane society."Yes, you're anti-humane society "let the non-humans suffer and die" attitude is well known and not appreciated. Hope that you never need to rely on someone else to feed and support you, because I would gladly feed my dog before an uncaring monster like yourself. So what are you doing to alleviate the problems for your fellow humans? Are you giving every penny of spare cash to help the victims of the economic downturn while you yourself subsist on meager rations? You obviously have an internet connection and time to post your thoughts, so it's hard to take you seriously.
lisabeth2002 (anonymous) says…
VERY well said Strontius!!