Animal shelter blasts owners to 'be better humans' amid surge of dog surrenders

15 January 2024 , 16:40

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Fulton County Humane Society has called on people to be "better" for their dogs (Image: Getty Images)

An animal shelter inundated with dogs recently surrendered by owners have told people to be “better humans” towards their pets.

Fulton County Humane Society, in Archbold, Ohio, says they have had a surge of animals being dumped at their door in recent weeks. Volunteers have become fed up with owners giving up their unwanted pets on them and called on people to be more responsible towards their dogs.

Writing on Facebook, the society wrote: “We are long overdue to address some things with the community. The dog you chose to get and now don’t find so darling because it isn’t a puppy anymore, is not our problem.

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“The number of messages we are getting every week from people wanting to surrender their dog because they “don’t have time for it anymore” or “it killed our cat” or “it bit my child” or “I can’t have it where I live” is out of control. A dog which bit a child can’t be placed with another family and just hope for the best.

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“You need to contact your veterinarian, not us. Be responsible pet owners. Dogs are a commitment. If you think you won’t have time for it in a year, don’t get one. If you know your landlord says you can’t have a dog and yet you get one anyway, then expect us to take it when you are getting evicted, think again. Let’s do better! These are living creatures. We owe it to them to be better humans and care for them! If you can’t do that, please, don’t get one.”

They added their services are designed for pets whose owners have experienced an extreme life event, such as a house fire, moving into long term which cannot have pets or passing away. The post added: “Life events happen. People become ill or pass away, have a home fire or have to move into long term care. Those are the surrenders we need to be able to focus our energy on.

“We really need everyone to get their act together. Get your animals fixed. Owning a dog means having the time, money, and patience for it. Don’t get pets you won’t want in a year. Help us channel our resources where they are best served, serving our community to help dogs and cats that are truly in need of rescue, not just a dog who became yesterday’s news because he or she grew up.”

Antony Clements-Thrower