15 added dogs fill shelter beyond capacity

NOBLESVILLE — The Humane Society for Hamilton County is in desperate need for space after 15 dogs were surrendered over the weekend at the Noblesville shelter.

“There’s just absolutely no more room,” said Rebecca Stevens, the shelter’s director. “We’ve used up every kennel, every crate. There are 18 dogs in the lobby.”

The shelter has a no-kill policy, preferring instead to try to adopt out each animal it receives. But, the shelter reported only one dog adopted over the weekend.

“They’re coming in faster than we can move them out,” she said.

Stevens attributes most of the surrenders to the economy.

“And it’s just getting worse,” she said.

“It hasn’t slowed. This weekend’s proof of it.”

Owners surrendering animals at the shelter, 1721 Pleasant St., are asked to give a reason for the surrender. “Financial,” cannot afford" and “moving” were reasons owners gave for surrendering their animals, Stevens said.

“A lot of folks are moving to apartment that don’t allow pets,” she said.

Stevens said with so many people having to give up their pets, it’s become “such a burden and a challenge for us.”

She said any help would be appreciated: “Even if people can’t adopt right now, if they can come in and foster a dog for a short period of time.”

The silver lining, Stevens said, is that many of the surrendered dogs are small breed: a Westie, a Chihuahua and a Poodle mix. “These are really popular dogs people are looking for,” she said.

Plus, the shelter has several puppies available: shepherd mixes, labrador retrievers and pit bull terriers.

“We encourage people to come in and look at what we’ve got,” Stevens said. “I’ve got them sitting at the shelter waiting for a home.”

The shelter’s adoption hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and from Thursday to Sunday; and noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

For more information, call (317) 773-4974 or visit www.hamiltonhumane.com