A local animal shelter is assisting a province facing pet overpopulation.
Manitoba shelters are overflowing.
Executive Director for People for Animal Wellbeing in Moncton Heather Smith says they partnered with the Oromocto SPCA to transport dogs here.
“There were 16 dogs, and this is the third time we’ve accepted dogs from Manitoba. They are facing some pretty extreme circumstances, and while things aren’t perfect in our area, we are leaps and bounds ahead of ahead of them. So they’re facing an extreme pet overpopulation, with significant barriers to resources, and it’s leading to the shelters and rescues being overwhelmed and just large amounts of free-roaming,” Smith says.
She says adoptions have been moving really well here in New Brunswick, so this transport included 12 puppies and four adult dogs.
“Generally, puppies are the first to be adopted from the shelter. So I’m really confident that our community will be excited to meet these guys and want to adopt them. In Manitoba, they are so overwhelmed that even puppies, they’re struggling to find homes for.”
Four puppies and two adults went to the Oromocto shelter and eight puppies and two adults remained here in Moncton.
“I didn’t realize that right here in Canada we have provinces that were in such a crisis, in such an emergency situation. So Oromocto brought some dogs down from Manitoba, which first pinged on my radar. So when I started looking into it, it was really eye-opening. I think that we have a social responsibility to do so now,” Smith adds.
Donations are always needed at PAW, but especially now. Smith says monetary donations are a priority, but they also need things like blankets, towels, dog food and dog toys.
Some of the puppies have already gone up for adoption, but the adult dogs are being evaluated to help match them with the best family.
Smith adds PAW is seeing a record intake of animals at the shelter right now.
“Last month, we had over 200 animals admitted to the shelter. And that’s the highest intake we’ve had in a single month since 2021. Cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, we take just about any domestic pet.”
It’s believed the housing crisis, as well as a rise in Veterinary costs, are two of the reasons behind the increase.
“Costs are going up, and people are struggling if their pet does get injured, to be able to help them. I find pets are being admitted to the shelter with more complex medical and behavioural needs. We are still very lucky in our region that the pets are still being adopted.”
If you are interested in adopting an animal, Smith suggests stopping in at the shelter and speaking with an Adoption Counsellor. They’ll ask what type of animal you are looking for and they’ll help match you with the best pet.
