JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval Animal Care and Protective Services is asking for help, as its shelter struggles with an influx of dogs.
With more than 400 dogs and roughly 200 cats, the shelter is nearly double its intended capacity.
In response to the situation, ACPS is waiving all adoption fees, which normally run around $80.
ACPS Division Chief Michael Bricker said the shelter was able to adopt out about 100 dogs over the weekend, but at the same time, it took in roughly 70 - meaning there was only a net reduction of about 30.
And many of those new dogs that came in were rescued from cases of animal cruelty.
Bricker explained that, on top of the dogs that have already come in after being rescued from environments of cruelty and neglect, the shelter anticipates more are likely coming in soon due to pending cases.
One recent case resulted in the arrest of Darius Pearson and the rescue of four dogs now in need of a loving home.
“Those four dogs were not in the best shape. And then we had another case where we took in nine dogs from all one household. Those were the ones where the people just moved away,” said Bricker.
Bricker suggested part of what might be driving the influx of rescues is a recent change in local law that made it easier for ACPS to pull animals out of bad situations.
He said that ordinance clarified simply providing a doghouse no longer absolves owners from leaving their dogs in harsh conditions outside.
“If that dog in there is not protected from the elements, we’re able to, you know, take care of that situation right then,” said Bricker.
And Bricker noted while adoptions provide the biggest help, even simply fostering an animal can help buy the shelter some time during this difficult situation.
“And also volunteers. If you can’t adopt and you don’t want to foster, but you want to come and just walk some dogs, we would love that. Any time out of their kennels is beneficial,” said Bricker.
Bricker said he expects adoption fees to be waived at least through this weekend.
He also highlighted the shelter is hosting a big adoption event called “Clear the Shelters” on Saturday.
That will be held at the shelter in Mixon Town from 10 AM to 6 PM.
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