Animal shelter needs help adopting out large dogs

Hardin County Animal Care and Control Director Mike McNutt says the shelter is continuing to deal with overpopulation issues, and in particular the need to get large dogs adopted out has substantially grown.

“We’re inundated with big dogs right now,” McNutt said. “When I say big dogs, I mean 40 pounds and up, and all of our kennels are full and they’re just coming in faster than we can move them.”

McNutt says larger dogs require more food and more care, so in addition to the space they need, an overpopulation of larger dogs puts a strain on shelter resources.

McNutt says in addition to encouraging more adoptions, he is also encouraging residents to claim dogs the shelter has picked up.

“We do have strays that are there and nobody is coming forward and claiming, so if you’re missing your dog, please stop by and check and see if we have it and I will work with you on the fees,” McNutt said. “I’ll do anything I can just to make sure we have space for the animals that are in need.”

More large dogs in the shelter means less time and space for other shelter operations.

“By law, strays have to be held for five days, so nothing can be done with them,” McNutt said. “We can’t adopt them out. We can’t spay and neuter them. We can’t do anything until those five days are complete. That’s why I’m asking: if you’ve got a lost pet, please, please come in and claim your pet.”

For current pet owners, the animal shelter is hosting their annual rabies clinic at the Hardin County Fairgrounds this Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old, with dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier. Check the flyer on the animal shelter’s Facebook page for more information.