Local county humane society can’t take anymore animals

LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – The Columbiana County Humane Society says it’s at full capacity, so it’s putting a hold on taking in new animals.

The shelter says it currently has 168 animals. Since the start of this year, it has taken in over 250.
Most are from abuse and neglect cases, as well as strays. The shelter can comfortably house only 17 dogs and 80 cats

“Our shelter now is at the point of critical capacity,” said Doris Buzzard with the Humane Society Board.

They say as of Wednesday, the funds to care for all the animals have been depleted.

“We’ve seen an exceptional amount of rescues for our county, abandonments,” Buzzard said.

Groups of animals coming in at once are part of the problem.

“Unfortunately, we’re getting multiple animals at one source. Puppies are being abandoned, so you’re looking at six and seven puppies at one time just left,” she said.

To accommodate the influx of animals, they’ve had to set up additional kennels and the money they budget for the year is already running out.

“We are now at the point of exhausting our 2024 budget at six months into our operations and it’s due to the influx of animals.”

The shelter isn’t closing, but it needs to find new houses for all the animals by the end of July.

“That is when our funding is really at the critical point of no more veterinary budget and also the operational budget will be fairly depleted.”

They’ve been working with other nearby shelters and humane societies to relocate some of the animals and they’re hoping the public will step in and adopt.

“It has been more difficult lately. A lot of people don’t have the financial ability to take more animals in,” said adoption coordinator Taylor Murphy.

To help, the shelter says you can adopt or foster a pet, volunteer, or donate to the shelter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.