Harford Co. Animal Shelter Seeking Help To Avoid Euthanization

HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)--The Humane Society of Harford County  may soon have to euthanize their animals due to overcrowding in their shelters.

WJZ's Tracey Leong explains.

Kennels are overflowing with adoptable pets and time is running out.

When the humane society reaches their max they have to euthanize healthy adoptable animals.

Executive Director Jen Swanson says the Humane Society of Harford County desperately needs the public's help.

"We are reaching out to the community and begging for help, and its either signing up for a foster, looking for rescue groups to come out and pull, or for adopters to come out get some of these fabulous animals," she said.

Each year the shelter takes in more than 4,500 animals and they have a 70 percent live release rate.

The Humane Society of Harford County is in the process of building a new shelter, which is set to open in November, but they say even adding more space, won't solve the problem.

"This summer has been particularly brutal, with cats and kittens and dogs, for whatever reason we have just seen a huge number coming in as strays," said Swanson.

Some of the kennels packed with four dogs which is already a cramped space for one.

Debbie Coomes is a board member at the shelter and says there are many homeless animal in the country.

Debbie is reminding pet owners that they too can help by cutting down on the number of unwanted animals.

"If you can spay and neuter your animals it's very important," said Coomes

The Humane Society of Harford County is open 7 days a week.

They are also looking for volunteers and donations to help with their overflowing shelter.

For details on pricing and available animals CLICK HERE.