The McKamey Animal Center (MAC) is facing a critical overcrowding situation due to a significant increase in animal intakes. So far this year, MAC has taken in more than 400 animals, marking a 160% increase compared to last year's figures. This addition comes on top of nearly 4,000 other animals brought to the center this year through strays or owner surrenders, which shows a more than 10% rise from the previous year.
Read More
Many animals at MAC must be held for extended periods while their cases progress through the courts, exacerbating the overcrowded environment. Animals are impounded by MAC Animal Protection Officers for various reasons, including abandonment, neglect, cruelty, or because their owners have been arrested or hospitalized.
Seth Watson, MAC’s Director of Animal Protection, stated that many of these animals, particularly larger dogs, are victims of broader societal issues such as rising living costs, a lack of affordable housing that accommodates pets, and increasing veterinary expenses. He called for public assistance to ensure there is enough space for the humane care of these animals.
To promote adoptions, MAC is reducing fees for adult dogs to $31.00 through the end of the month, and offers pre-adoption and fostering options for animals not yet ready for full adoption. More information about available pets can be found at mckameyanimalcenter.org/adopt/.
Additionally, potential adopters are invited to see areas not typically open to the public, where many adoptable animals are currently housed but not on display. Those unable to adopt are encouraged to consider fostering temporarily, volunteering, or sharing posts about adoptable animals on social media.
Anyone witnessing animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment is urged to contact MAC at 423/305-6500 x1. If an officer is unavailable, callers should leave a message to receive a follow-up.
MAC also requests help with stray animals, advising that strays often belong to nearby owners. Finders are encouraged to hold onto the animal, search the area, contact neighbors, and post on local social media platforms to locate the owner. Reporting found pets on mckameyanimalcenter.org/lost-found-pets/ and utilizing social media can speed up the process of reunification.