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Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
The
Kodiak Animal Shelter has seen an increase in pets being dropped off, and not
the usual mix either. Karen Yashin is the Humane Society of Kodiak president
and joined KMXT’s Talk of the Rock on Tuesday to discuss upcoming events and happenings
at the animal shelter. Yashin said the rise in animals is most likely
attributed to people not spaying or neutering their pets, but other animals
aren’t so easily explained.
-- (Animal
Increases 1 :31 “We’re noticing lots
of animals being dropped off and not your typical, a lot of time it’s puppies
and kittens and we have enough of that obviously, I’m putting in a plug for spay
neuter. Please, if you need help with spaying or neutering, get a hold of
Nicole, our shelter manager, because we really cannot have any more puppies and
kittens in Kodiak, there aren’t enough good homes for them. And that’s obvious
by what’s up at the shelter, but also elderly animals are being dropped off.
This is a first where we’re seeing 12-year-olds, 14-year-olds and that’s unsual
for so many of them at once.”)
Yashin
said for some reason cats are a growing problem at the shelter, with record
numbers being dropped off.
-- (Animal
Increases 2 : 09 “And cats I’m going to
say are dropped off about three or four to one cats to dogs. So at least three
to one.”)
She
said there isn’t really an explanation for the rise in shelter drop offs, but
hard economic times could be one of the culprits.
-- (Animal
Increases 3 : 15 “Pets are the first to
go in a household that’s having income problems. And when people leave Kodiak,
I just think sometimes some people may pay for their dogs to go, but don’t take
their cats. We’re not sure, we’re just trying to figure out what’s going on.”)
The
rise in animals at the shelter has certainly put a strain on organization, but
Yashin said the shelter has received a grant to help community members spay or
neuter their animals.
-- (Animal
Increases 4 :35 “Yeah we have a grant
right now that we just received only for dogs, so if you want to get on that
list, if we have too much of a list to get you on this grant we’ll reapply for
it in the spring, but if you’re names on the list we will go down that list
until we get to your name. Hopefully you’ll keep your from impregnating or
getting pregnant between that time. Also if you have a female cat and need help
call us because we will help and talk to you about what you can afford and what
we will do to help you get that done. This is the most responsible help you can
give us right now.”)
Other
than spaying or neutering your pet, or offering your home to one of the furry
critters at the shelter, Yashin said financial donations truly help keep the
shelter afloat. This weekend the second annual Hairball fundraiser kicks off
with live music by 40 Miles of Road and American Idol contestant Miss Jackie
Wilson. Tickets for that event are $25 and all proceeds go to the Humane
Society of Kodiak.
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