‘Do or die’: Some of the 250 dogs at Lacombe shelter in danger of being euthanized

LACOMBE, La. ( WGNO ) — Overcrowding of cats and dogs is a big problem at St. Tammany Parish Animal Services right now. The parish shelter prides itself on finding homes instead of euthanizing animals, but that could change if these animals are not adopted or fostered.

“Ultimately we’re at a point where we are overwhelmed,” Robert Bremer, Director of St. Tammany Parish Animal Services said.

Over at St. Tammany Parish Animal Services in Lacombe, there are 250 dogs and only 120 kennels. Dogs need to be doubled and tripled up in the kennels, and some are even in crates in the hallways of the shelter.

“Hopefully this will just be temporary. We generally try not to keep them in crates longer than a couple of days, but as every animal gets adopted, gets fostered, that opens up another space. Dogs tripling up in kennels, we can only do it for some of them, but not all of them are friendly. A lot of these animals coming in, we don’t know their histories,” he said.

Limited space is also a problem for cats. More animals are coming in and not enough are going out.

“We can only make space by adopting and fostering animals out, as well as euthanasia, but that is not the preferred method. We are a life-saving shelter; we’re trying to maintain a no-kill status,” Bremer said.

He said the shelter has been no kill since 2020 and they want it to stay that way, but it is getting tough.

“Everybody doing a little part to make a big difference,” Bremer said.

Why is the overcrowding so bad right now?

“I think the economy is crunching a lot of people. They can’t afford the cost. They can’t afford the cost of food and veterinary care,” he said.

These pets are unfortunately the ones who could pay the price.

“I will post a ‘mayday’ list to our Facebook page . We’ll put the lists out and those animals will be promoted. Right now it is life or death for these animals. We need the help,” Bremer said.

St. Tammany Parish Animal Services is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for fostering and adoptions.

If you decide to foster a pet, the shelter will provide everything you need. They provide the food and veterinary care.

Visit the shelter’s Facebook page for more information on how to adopt or foster a pet.

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