This article originally⁤ appeared in‍ The Centre county⁤ Gazette.

Rising‍ Concerns Over ⁣Abandoned‍ Dogs in Centre county

Recently,two stray dogs suffering from​ malnutrition and mange were discovered wandering alone within just 48 hours—one in Milesburg and the other in Snow shoe.

Now safe and under the care⁢ of Centre County PAWS, these dogs—affectionately named Charm and scrabble by ​their rescuers—highlight a troubling‌ trend: an increase in pets being abandoned or surrendered by their owners across the county.

The Growing Problem of Stray Animals

This alarming situation is ⁤something Jodie Yarger has witnessed firsthand as one of the leaders at Pet recovery of Centre County, an association she co-founded⁣ nearly a decade ago to assist families in locating‌ lost pets while also helping found animals reunite with their owners. However, she notes that more frequently thay receive calls about stray dogs ⁤found in remote areas that have become notorious for⁢ pet abandonment.

“The number of abandoned⁣ dogs has truly surged over the past year,” Yarger stated.

Shelters Overwhelmed by Surrenders

Lisa Bahr echoed this sentiment ⁣as she reported that Centre County PAWS⁢ has experienced a important rise in requests from pet ⁤owners wishing to surrender their animals.The shelter is currently‍ operating at full capacity; its 28 ​kennels ⁤are consistently occupied, forcing them ⁤to convert seven additional rooms typically used for operational purposes into overflow‌ spaces ⁤for incoming dogs. As a result, they now have up to ⁣60 dogs on a waiting list for surrendering​ families.

when it comes ⁢to strays like Charm or Scrabble who require immediate assistance ⁤due to‌ illness or injury, they take precedence. According to Hannah Beck, operations manager at PAWS, this occurs approximately two or three times each week.

A shared Burden Among Local Shelters

The situation is similar⁣ at Pets ‍Come First; according⁢ to shelter manager Deb Warner, they too‌ are maxed out with ‌only 15 kennels available and utilizing extra rooms as overflow while facing long waitlists for surrenders.

“We have dedicated staff and numerous volunteers‍ walking our dogs daily; though, when you’re full—you’re simply full,” warner explained.

Main Reasons Behind Pet Surrendering

Bahr noted that housing issues rank as the primary reason‌ cited by individuals surrendering their pets.”Frequently enough it’s due to landlords changing ‍pet policies or increasing rent costs⁤ which make it unaffordable for them,” she‍ said. “When searching for new housing options afterward,many find it ​challenging to locate places that allow pets.”

The second most common reason involves behavioral issues followed closely by financial difficulties related to​ rising ⁢costs associated with ‍food and veterinary care.

Cats ⁢Also⁢ Face Challenges Within Shelters

Paws is also ⁤grappling with unclaimed cats; currently there are around 100 felines on its waiting list for surrender according to Bahr.”However,” she added​ optimistically, “we’ve developed effective strategies regarding our response towards cats.” She pointed ‌out how people⁢ can often manage temporary situations involving ⁤cats better than​ those⁢ involving larger animals like stray dogs which cannot be easily housed indoors without‍ proper ‌facilities.”

The Role of Foster Care Programs

Lucky enough ⁢not only as they have established⁢ foster networks but also thanks largely due Penn State students who volunteer‌ during academic terms—PAWS ⁣presently houses about 15 canines through fostering arrangements.”⁤ Beck mentioned how misconceptions exist surrounding local college⁤ students contributing negatively towards abandonment crises but⁣ both she along with Officer Rusnak confirmed or else based on evidence collected over time.”

Rusnak became​ Centre County’s first‍ humane officer back in 2024 where ​he was alarmed upon discovering numerous cases related neglect including handling over one hundred‌ canine-related incidents within just twelve months! While his focus remains primarily ‌directed toward cruelty cases​ he occasionally deals directly concerning abandonments too.”

an example includes assisting Charm when he was found wandering aimlessly alongside recounting⁣ another instance where ‌someone had left behind their dog after dropping it off temporarily without returning later leading him needing help finding option accommodations ‌before tracking down its owner issuing citations accordingly.” ⁤

A Call For Community Support And Resources Available To Pet Owners In Need!

Bahr & Beck encourage all pet parents experiencing hardships reach out utilizing resources⁢ such as food⁢ pantries ‌offered through organizations like theirs instead⁤ giving up beloved companions altogether!” warner emphasized “I wish more individuals would explore alternatives before making drastic decisions regarding animal welfare!”

“Do some research! Look into options available,” ⁢She advised highlighting low-cost veterinary services provided via clinics held regularly throughout community venues offering vaccinations spaying/neutering vouchers etc.,”

Tackling the Root Causes Of ‍Animal Abandonment Together!

tackling backyard breeding practices alongside​ promoting spaying/neutering initiatives could substantially alleviate ongoing ‌challenges faced today according yarger’s viewpoint ⁣stating ‍“I don’t believe we’ll ever‌ adopt ourselves fully out from under this issue,” adding “Contributions made towards shelters volunteering adopting—all play vital roles yet ultimately addressing population control remains key solution moving forward!”