Wednesday, February 19, 2025
HomeDogsAbandoned animals are skyrocketing in the region

Abandoned animals are skyrocketing in the region

ADOPTION. The Drummond Humane Society (SPAD) is near capacity, which is unheard of this time of year. To minimize euthanasia, the shelter asks owners to wait a few weeks before getting rid of their pets.

The team from the animal protection organization expected to suffer the consequences of the health crisis by welcoming a larger number of abandoned animals. The phenomenon has taken on a disproportionately large scale. “It’s stronger than we thought,” says general manager Philippe Labonté. Right now we are at 80% capacity. We always have a buffer zone to deal with emergencies. Normally at this time our seats are 50% occupied.”

The person who has worked at SPAD for twenty years says he is worried. A large number of dogs entered the shelter. Most of them have behavioral problems. “They’re called COVID dogs. There have been 30% more sales and adoptions of animals during the pandemic. People wanted to get away from it all, and they mostly adopted dogs. It takes time to deal with that,” he explains. For example, goldendoodles have been in the limelight. He is an active dog. If he is not trained, he becomes a mad dog.

Once at the shelter, these animals have a hard time finding a family that can meet their needs. “These are hard-working dogs. Not everyone wants to embark on such a project,” he says, adding that dog training courses are a burden and additional costs.

Philippe Labonté is director general of the animal protection organization. (Photo: Emmanuelle LeBlond)

Some dogs stay at the Janelle Street facilities for several days, while others may stay for a few months. For some time, the demand for adoption has stagnated. Result: the animals spend an average longer time at the shelter.

The SPAD is in solution mode. “There are dogs that are less popular. We lower the prices for humanitarian adoptions in those cases.”

Calling everyone

The animal protection organization asks for the public’s cooperation. Philippe Labonté asks the owners to contact the shelter before bringing their animal for surrender.

The latter takes the opportunity to encourage citizens to give their residents a chance. “People have to prioritize livestock,” he says.

Currently, SPAD prioritizes stray animals that are injured or in poor health, the time to gain more capacity at the shelter. Philippe Labonté specifies that most of the cats that roam outside belong to the residents of the district. “Customers are asked not to catch them. We have stopped using trapdoor cages.”

In that sense, the animal protection organization anticipates the relocation period. “If there are no more adoptions and we continue to receive so many dogs, it will be scary for the summer. Since this is a provincial problem, we cannot get help elsewhere.”

Remember that many animals are abandoned by their master in the months of July and August.

The shelter is located on Janelle Street. (Photo: Emmanuelle LeBlond)

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