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Dog pound faces shortage of space
The Dog Control Program’s limited capacity to house animals is proving to be a challenge.
The last survey conducted by the Dog Control Program in 2014 netted 21,000 stray dogs and puppies. Since then, the program has been working on ways to capture as many strays and has tried to neuter as many dogs as possible.
Dog Control Program manager Spencer Marchadesch said the temporary pound in As Perdido can only hold up to 40 to 50 animals at a time.
Since the original pound in Lower Base was deemed unsafe after Typhoon Soudelor almost two years ago, the Dog Control Program was forced to temporarily move the pound to As Perdido. The temporary shelter is smaller than the original one and the program is forced to make do.
According to Marchadesch, the pound puts down 10 to 20 dogs a week in order to make space for strays that the program brings in every day. Roughly, the program brings in five to 10 dogs per day.
As much as possible, the pound doesn’t want to put down any animals, Marchadesch said, although there are certain instances where it is the only choice. When a dog is injured or is severely sick and in need of treatment that is not offered in the Commonwealth, the pound has no other choice but to euthanize them. If a dog is not claimed at the pound within five days, it is either put up for adoption or put down.
Marchadesch is urging the community to come out and check out the dogs that are currently at the pound.
The program encourages the adoption of a dog or a cat. The adoption fee is $20, not including registration and vaccination.
Owners may register their dogs for $5 and vaccinations range from $3 to $5.
For additional information regarding the Dog Control Program and adoption of strays, call the animal shelter at 234-8905 or call Marchadesch directly at 783-4743.
