As Iroquois County Animal Control finds their animals homes, Animal Rescue is still in need

WATSEKA, Ill. (WCIA) — Animals at Iroquois County Animal Control are one step closer to finding forever homes — and escaping being euthanized.

Dogs and cats at Iroquois County Animal Control were in jeopardy. Officials posted on Facebook saying they were one week away from being euthanized. Messages started flooding in from people interested — now the animals are on their way to finding families. But another facility is still struggling.

“We’re the only shelter in the Iroquois County,” said Iroquois County Animal Rescue president Margaret Fox. “And the county is huge.”

This shortage has led to Iroquois County Animal Rescue, or ICARE, being stretched thin by the number of dogs and cats sent to their facility.

“We’ve been operating at over capacity for the past six months.” said Fox. “We currently have 12 dogs, a mom and her puppies and about 88 to 100 cats between our shelter and what’s in foster homes.”

She says the overcapacity can lead to adverse living conditions for the animals. ICARE’S president also says the goal is to take in as many as they can, but that’s not always easy.

“It’s money. We are no kill shelters. So, whenever an animal needs surgery, that could be any animal that comes through our doors. If they have a medical condition, we take them to a vet and we will find a way to pay for it.” says Fox. “What limits us from pulling more dogs isn’t necessarily kennel space, but it’s the finances.”

The annual operating budget of the shelter is currently 19,000 dollars. It’s not just finances though. ICARE is in desperate need of help day in and day out.

“Best way to help us so that we can pull more animals from animal controls is by volunteering our shelters and all volunteer organization.” said Fox.

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