There is a growing unwanted pet population across Lubbock and Haven Animal Care Shelter's commitment to animal welfare is being tested beyond their facility's care capacity. Puppies just like little trigger, were dumped right outside the shelter just two weeks ago. The spike in dogs being dumped has owner Brenda Wilbanks worried.
"I think people are desperate. I think the economy has something to do with it. I think people don't know what to do and they think that a shelter is able to accommodate these animals. What they do not realize is we all, any of the shelters, are privately funded," Wilbanks said.
People assume that dumping these animals off at the shelter is okay, but really what they are doing is illegal and overcrowds the shelter.
"In fact what I’m looking at right now is that funds which I would set aside for spade and neuter and vet care are now going to security to try to put up cameras and have a watchmen and whatever else has to be done to keep this from happening," Wilbanks said.
Dr. Jim Kemp with the Key Animal Clinic has also seen pets dropped off at his office. He speculates more pet owners are in financial straits. He said those owners are not doing these dogs or cats any favors by dropping them off in hopes they'll find another home.
"We generally attempt to find someone to foster them or want to take them home and keep them, but eventually we have no choice but to turn them over to the pound," Kemp said.
"I think they think we can just immediately, like tomorrow, find a new home for them, and we can't," Wilbanks said.
Wilbanks said she makes owners somewhat difficult to adopt a pet at her clinic to prevent this from happening. They must be screened and sign a long agreement that educates future pet owners on the importance of spaying and neutering. She isn't as optimistic about the future.
