Griffin Pond overwhelmed with abandoned animals

SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Overwhelmed and at max capacity, a local animal shelter says the number of pet surrenders and abandonment cases they are seeing is at an all-time high.

Crates filled with cats line the walls of the lobby inside Griffin Pond Animal Shelter near Clark’s Summit.

The cats are normally in the adoption room with the others but since January of 2023. The shelter has been maxed out of space.

Development director Sherry Crolly says it’s not just cats, but all pets. This is due to an influx in surrenders and abandonment cases.

“When you’re at capacity, you have to start figuring out how to make room, you know? Our humane officer’s office has cats living in there.”

The shelter has taken in 41 animals so far this year. Where previously that number would only be around 10 per year. The most recent case was just Wednesday night.

“There were two dogs that were left alone in a pop-up crate since Friday with no food or water. You know, basically living in their own urine.”

Just a couple of weeks ago, another abandonment case of a 1-year-old baby, who was dropped off and abandoned by her owner.

Crolly says the spike in cases is a combination of things including the high cost of care, and landlords changing rules for pets.

Now with around 300 pets up for adoption. she says it’s all hands on deck to find the animals a home and spread awareness.

“We have an overpopulation of animals in the United States, so please spay and neuter your animals. That’s the most important thing.”

Abandonment of an animal in the state of Pennsylvania is illegal, and owners could be prosecuted and charged.

The Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is hosting a ‘Paws in the Park’ event on August 11th at McDade Park. You can find more information on their website.

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