Animal shelters busier due to economy

We have been talking a lot about the affects of the tough economic times.

For some, tight times are even making an impact on the family pet.

Brunswick County Animal Services director, Richard Cooper said more and more each day he is seeing animals being dropped off at the shelter because people simply cannot afford an extra mouth to feed.

“The economy has been in kind of a downturn for a couple of years now, you see it in all aspects of life. As I said it affects everything and it goes all the way down to the animals,” said Cooper.

Necessary veterinary care that can run into the hundreds of dollars can also be a huge drain on already tight family budgets.

Privately run shelters and non-profit organizations like area humane societies are seeing a decrease in adoptions and donations to keep their shelters going.

Cooper said the most important thing pet owners can do is adjust their spending habits on things like pet food and maybe even look into buying health insurance for their pets.

“The main focus is for people to try and take care of the pets that they presently have. They may have to make some adjustments, they may have to cut some coupons, look for deals and that would help them out,” said Cooper.

Cooper said he hopes people can do their part to care for their animals, because the shelter is bursting at the seams with pets that need loving homes.

Cooper said, “Hopefully we won’t have to see too many more pets coming into the facility.”

Cooper says you can also help the shelters by spaying and neutering your pets.