This browser does not support the Video element.
Humane Society of Tampa Bay at capacity
Justin Matthews reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - The Humane Society of Tampa Bay says it is doubling up dogs in kennels and turning cats away because the shelter is completely full.
"Right now we’re experiencing a lot of people turning in their pets, a lot of strays, twice the number of stray dogs that we have ever seen," explained Sherry Silk, the CEO of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
RELATED ‘We want to save a life’: Tampa Humane Society undergoes upgrade, mission remains the same
Silk says the shelter is in this dire situation because of the pandemic.
"What I feel is the reason is, during COVID, so for the last year and a half, a lot of hospitals, veterinary hospitals, chose to stop doing spay and neuter and stopped seeing clients. We did not. Our hospital kept doing it, but if you don’t spay and neuter, especially cats, they multiply. So I believe it’s a direct result of the pandemic," Silk stated.
READ Humane Society surgeons surprised to find bullet in rescued dog
Silk says this serves as a reminder that it is not just important to spay and neuter dogs and cats, but to also get them microchipped.
The shelter is giving away free microchips throughout December.
LINK: For more information on the Humane Society and how to adopt an animal, visit https://humanesocietytampa.org/.
UPDATES: Get news alerts and updates in the free FOX 13 News app