Augusta Faces Animal Shelter Overcrowding After Hurricane Helene
Augusta, Georgia, is witnessing a serious challenge at local animal shelters, and it’s not just because of overcrowding — it’s also about finding homes for our furry friends. Before Hurricane Helene hit almost a month ago, shelters were already struggling, but the situation has only worsened in the storm’s aftermath.
The Storm’s Impact
In the weeks following Hurricane Helene’s arrival, local shelters have been inundated with a variety of cases. There has been a spike in owner surrenders, an influx of lost pets, and unfortunately, a noticeable decline in adoption rates. It seems that the chaos of the storm has put a lot of stress not just on the community but also on our beloved animals.
“Summer is usually the busiest time for us, and it ended just a couple of days before Hurricane Helene hit,” said one representative from a local shelter. “Now, we’re seeing an entirely new busy season—one we didn’t ask for.”
A Tough Few Weeks
Both animal shelters on either side of the river faced difficulties during and after the storm. They lost power for an extended period, leaving them in the dark just like much of Augusta. “For several days, we had almost no water pressure,” shared Becky Reece from the Augusta Animal Shelter.
Kathy Cagle, the Friends of the Animal Shelter Program Coordinator, added, “We were closed for ten days. We had no power, and the animals just kept coming in. It felt like a never-ending cycle.”
Community Support and Call for Action
Initially, the support from the community was heartwarming. Donations poured in, including food supplies like MREs and breaded chicken strips, keeping both the shelters and the people fed during those tough few days. However, as the weeks passed, the generosity from the community seems to have quieted. “It’s been unsettling recently; it just stopped,” Cagle remarked.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, both shelters are going above and beyond to care for the animals. “Our lobby has kittens everywhere!” Cagle exclaimed. “Right now, we’re offering them at only $10. They’re spayed, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready for their new homes. Puppies and dogs are available for $35, and we even have many dogs with waived adoption fees!”
Adoption Initiatives and Community Assistance
The Augusta Animal Shelter is not giving up, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Starting today, all dogs, whether puppies or adults, can be adopted for only $20 until November 1st. “We’re determined to reduce our euthanasia rates and Hurricane Helene won’t stop us from achieving that,” Reece noted.
The shelters are also ramping up their outreach programs. Their mobile adoption van is now back in operation, and there has been a noticeable uptick in participation during their ‘Save A Pet’ Mondays.
Helping Those in Need
Moreover, it’s not just about finding homes but also about supporting those in need. Reece indicated that people struggling to afford pet food can come to the shelters for help. “We have dog and cat food available for anyone who needs it,” she said, emphasizing the tight-knit community spirit that Augusta is known for.
Final Note
Both the Augusta and Aiken County shelters are urgently calling for more adoptions. If you’re looking to bring a new furry friend into your home, now is the perfect time to visit your local animal shelter. Let’s help these animals find their forever homes together!
