Overcrowded Florida Animal Shelter in 'Urgent Situation' After Saving 56 Dogs from Cruelty Case
Marion County Animal Services has been over capacity for months, according to the Florida shelter
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Stock photo of two puppies in a cageAn overcrowded animal shelter in Florida has put a call out for help after taking in 56 pets on Thursday.
According to a Facebook post from Marion County Animal Services, the shelter has been "well over capacity for months."
On Thursday, the space issue became an "urgent situation" after MCAS rescued 56 dogs from a cruelty case.
"We are reaching out to you, the public, to be the change you want to see in the world. Make a commitment to help a shelter dog, which is the majority of our population," the Ocala, Florida, shelter added on social media.
The facility also used the Facebook post to share the motivation behind its animal rescue work.
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"Lily Tomlin once said, 'Somebody should do something. Then I realized I AM somebody.' That's one of the mottos of an animal shelter worker," MCAS wrote. "We live by it personally and professionally. But we can't do it alone. The animals keep coming, and if we are going to help more, we need those already in our shelter to find placement. "
NBC Affiliate WESH reported that the 56 canines saved from the cruelty case will need time to recover at MCAS before they are ready for adoption, which means available dogs have to pair up in kennels until there is more space.
Animal compliance investigator Justin McClure told the outlet that the 56 dogs from the cruelty case were found in disgusting and dangerous conditions.
"Whenever you would walk up to the front door, you were faced with an overwhelming odor of ammonia and urine just from the extensive buildup of the animals urinating, defecating inside of the home," McClure said of the former home of the 56 dogs.
At critical capacity, MCAS is seeking adopters and fosters to help address overcrowding.
"Scared of commitment but want to help? Foster today. Give a dog a place to stay for a couple of weeks outside of our shelter. Help us free up some room," MCAS shared on Facebook.
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MCAS is waiving adoption fees and setting up doggy dates to encourage potential adopters. On Feb. 10, the shelter is hosting a Doggy Date Day, where animal lovers can take an adoptable canine out on a morning date to celebrate Valentine's Day early. The experience offers shelter dogs time to get personal attention outside the stressful shelter setting.
To learn more about the pets available for adoption at MCAS, visit the shelter's Facebook page.
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