The city of Memphis is facing a critical increase in its stray dog population, and the hub for many of these animals, Memphis Animal Services (MAS), has found itself in dire straits. As reported by WREG, MAS's interim director, Mary Claire Borys, highlighted that the facility, designed to house 180 dogs, is currently housing over 300. "We want to make sure that when the animals are in our care, we provide the best living situation possible," Borys said, emphasizing the urgent need to find these animals adoptive homes, foster placements, or rescue group assistance.
The alarming influx of nearly 200 dogs in just the last week of September has put a significant strain on the shelter's resources and staff. Among these, as FOX13 Memphis underscores, 111 were strays found roaming the streets. The possibility is grim; if no homes are found, the shelter may face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia for some of these dogs to alleviate overcrowding and maintain a healthy environment for the animals.
To encourage adoptions and save as many canine lives as possible, MAS, with the support of the Bissell Pet Foundation, has waived adoption fees through October 15, reports Action News 5. Adopters will not only bring home a new family member but will also receive a complimentary bed, food, and toys for their new pet, while supplies last. This initiative is a direct response to a situation that Borys described as a culmination of changes in life circumstances, economic downturns, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 pet adoptions gone awry.
MAS is also taking action by housing dogs two to three per kennel and coordinating with rescue groups and other partners to find placements for their canine residents. "We do have to make those unfortunate decisions sometimes because it is of vital importance that we maintain safe, healthy and humane housing for those animals in our care and we can't do that when we are extremely overcrowded," Borys conveyed in a statement detailed by Action News 5. With spaying and neutering already mandated by law, MAS is also stressing the necessity for pet owners to comply with this regulation to help mitigate the burgeoning stray population.
Local Memphis residents looking to adopt can visit the shelter at 2350 Appling City Cove on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. Additionally, MAS will host a pet adoption event at the Wolfchase Petsmart on the upcoming Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those interested in giving these dogs a second chance at a forever home.
