Menu Close

In keeping with the pace set early this spring, the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter is still functioning at max capacity pretty much on a daily basis. We normally start having a little wiggle room by the beginning of November, but not so this year! Last week alone, we took in 23 puppies ranging from 5 to 8 weeks old. We received a mother cat with newborns and another with a litter about 10 days old. On one day, when it was raining and miserable (usually meaning a very slow intake day for us), the animal control officers brought in 18 cats as well as a few owner-release cats that were scheduled to come in that day.

The week had started with some successful detective work by the Bridgeton animal control officer, leading to the seizure of two litters of puppies – 13 altogether – and one mother dog. The puppies had been posted online for sale by the owner, and it was obvious from the pictures that there were serious issues with the condition of the pups and the place where they were being kept.

The puppies from the aforementioned property were seriously underweight, flea-infested, suffering from severe intestinal parasites and low body temperatures. The mother dog that we were able to seize was in terrible condition, suffering the same maladies except for the low body temp. We were able to gain custody of all the animals, and they are all recovering nicely and will be available for adoption within the next couple of weeks.

The third litter of puppies was abandoned with their mother in a crate in the driveway of one of our local veterinarians. They were also infested with fleas and intestinal parasites, but I appreciate the fact that the owner may have been in a bad situation and that they left them where they knew they would be cared for. There are many situations where pet owners get in over their heads, whether it is financial distress or other circumstances that prohibit them from providing proper care; the most important thing is that they do the right thing for the pet in the end. Certainly, abandoning them at a vet’s office is not the best thing, but it’s certainly better than inaction or other actions that would leave the animals in a perilous situation.

I bring all this up because, as hard as it is to believe, the holidays are upon us and some of you will be thinking of adding a “family member.” Please keep us in mind when making that all important decision.

Source: It never ends: Many new arrivals at SPCA

Posted in 2016, SJRAS Articles