Nashville's Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) has reported an intake of new animals following the Fourth of July fireworks, a period notorious for pets going missing. Although the shelter is grappling with overcrowding issues, they were able to accommodate nearly half a dozen new animals over the holiday, as reported by WKRN. Further, officials forecast that additional animals may turn up as celebrations spill into the weekend.
Despite the spike in activity, the intake numbers are already showing to be lower than previous years. "Before you bring them to us check around in your neighborhood, if it’s a dog, a lot of the times if usually it’s not maybe more than a mile or so from its home," Matt Peters, MACC public information officer, told WKRN. Two dogs found in the Metro Nashville community were quickly reunited with their owners thanks to microchip scans performed in the field.
Following the holiday commotion, MACC has provided advice to pet owners to definitely take precautions to prevent their pets from becoming frightened and running off. Ashley Harrington, Director of MACC, highlighted the importance of keeping pets indoors, and ensuring yards are secure to protect pets from escape during firework displays and gatherings. "Taking steps like keeping your pets inside, checking for holes or openings on fences, and ensuring your pets are microchipped can make it much less likely you spend your holiday searching for your missing pet," Harrington stated in a piece carried by NewsChannel 5.
MACC has also made it a point to encourage microchipping as a measure to ensure pet safety during bustling holidays. Adding to this, MACC waived reclaiming fees through July 7, to make it easier for pet owners to swiftly reclaim their lost pets, as per the recommendations quoted by FOX 17. With high temperatures posing an additional hazard, MACC urged owners to walk their pets during cooler hours and provide shelter from inclement weather, offering timely reminders as summer marches on.
