Animal rescues need financial donations to help abused, neglected, or surrendered pets
The eviction crisis is causing a crisis for humane agencies in our region. They're seeing an uptick in neglect and abuse cases, along with more people surrendering their pets as the pandemic continues.
Animal Charity in Mahoning County, The Humane Society of Columbiana County, and Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County are grateful for donations of food, kitty litter and items to help care for an increasing number of pets rescued from neglect, abuse, or surrendered. But the agencies that rely solely on donations say there is a need for financial support to pay for, needed medical tests, medicines, and veterinary care so they can get the pets ready to be adopted.
Mary Louk, Board President of Animal Charity said, "We appreciate the overwhelming support by everyone who donated food, kitty litter, and other items we need to take care of cats and dogs. We also need and appreciate financial support. The money is used to purchase what we need to run blood work on cats, spay, and neuter, all of that takes resources. Just to help the cats in the one hoarding situation we had to place an order for $3,000 worth of supplies and that was just what we needed to get started. We try to nurse them all back to health. We also have a lot of pet owners who have lost jobs or gone from full to part time, so they have less money to take care of animals. Our clinic sees an uptick every time the economy dips. When evictions begin again owners may not be able to take animals with them and that will cause a burden on our shelters. We are trying to be proactive in letting the public know the impact and letting them know we need their support. If people need pet food we do give free food to people to fill their dog and cat bowls. They just need to call us and stop by to pick the food up during business hours."
The non profits are providing free food help fill empty dog and cat bowls, for people financially struggling. But resources are tapped, last week Animal Charity in Youngstown rescued over 90 cats and kittens. And the Columbiana County Humane Society rescued more than 200 animals, including horses, dogs, and cats from Alchemy Acres. Humane agents describe the animals as living in horrific conditions.
The foreclosure and eviction crisis is expected to worsen and at a time when the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull county and other non profits have been forced to cancel a majority of fundraisers that bring in thousands of dollars needed to keep saving suffering and vulnerable pets.
Lori Shandor, CEO of Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County said, "Like so many non profits around the country we've had to cancel our fundraising events which are a source of income we definitely relied on. Pet food and kitty litter are amazing and so greatly needed, but if we can't pay the staff to feed the animals, if we can't keep the lights on in the building then we can't care for the animals either. Those financial donations while sometimes not quite as glamorous as bringing in dozens of pounds of dog food in, they are just as worthy. We are grateful for the people who supported us with stimulus dollars and who continue to donate during this pandemic." Shandor went on to explain they are also facing an increase in kittens since this is the season when kittens are being born.
Donations can be made through PayPal or a credit card on the non profit's websites, or through social media such as Facebook, and Instagram. A check can be mailed to the organizations, or you can drop off a cash donation during business hours.
Animal Charity Humane Society
4140 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512
www.animalcharityofohio.org
Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County
812 Youngstown Kingsville Rd. SE,
Vienna, OH 44473
www.awlrescueme.com
Columbiana County Humane Society
1825 S Lincoln Ave.
Salem, OH 44460
www.columbianacountyhumanesociety.org