MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Animal Services issued an urgent plea for help as temperatures plummet.
With temperatures falling, the agency said it’s experincing high call volume from citizens reporting animals left out in the cold which leads to an increase in intake.
MAS needs those interested in adopting or fostering an animal to come forward so they can make room for every animal in need.
“We have over a hundred and fifty dogs in this building right now,” Director Memphis Animal Services, Alexis Pugh said. “We are maxed out on kennels and we fully expect that the number of requests for us to bring in more animals is going to climb today, tomorrow and throughout the weekend.
Pugh says the forecasted “Deepfreeze” can be fatal for animals that live outside, even if dog owners feel they have appropriate housing. Animal control officers have been directed to “follow up” on locations where there have been previous welfare investigations and make sure owners are properly caring for their dogs.
“Beg them, plead, appeal to their best senses to bring that pet inside even if it’s just for the next week. As these temperatures drop below freezing and will not climb above freezing until sometime mid next week,” Pugh said.
Calls from concerned citizens have spiked and that’s why there’s no room for additional dogs. Couple that with COVID-19 protocols, which no longer allow an unlimited number of persons inside to find a dog to foster or adopt, and you’ll understand the concern.
“Our kennels are full,” Pugh said. “We don’t have empty space and so we’re calling on the community, do the right thing on the front end and bring your pets inside. But those of you out there who have the ability to help us in the back end adopt and foster animals that are here. We need you now more than ever.
If you are interested in adoption, click here.
If you are interested in fostering, click here.
