HOUSTON -- Houston’s Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care is the only shelter in the city that’s required by law to take in every animal that comes through its doors, even if it’s full. These days, the shelter says it’s more than full. In fact, it’s a capacity crisis.
“It’s unprecedented,” said BARC spokesperson Chris Newport.
“We are over capacity,” said Carlene Lormand, BARC’s Marketing and Outreach Manager.
The crisis comes not just because of animals brought in off the streets, but because of animals who were surrendered by their owners.
“I think the economy has something to do with people and their sense of responsibility for their pets,” said Lormand.
“We’ve got people who are moving who can’t have animals at their new apartment, or new home or can’t afford the pet deposit,” said Newport.
Factor in an early breeding season that shows no signs of slowing down, and BARC is even more crowded.
“We always see a lot of intake, but over the last 10 hours of yesterday, we took in over 200 animals, and tomorrow isn’t going to be any different,” said Newport.
Neither will the next day.
That’s why BARC is staging a mega adoption this Sunday at the Kroger in the Heights on North Shepherd and 11th Street. Although BARC’s adoption fee is normally $75, this Sunday it will be $20 for dogs and $10 for cats. That fee also includes spay and neuter, vaccinations and even a microchip implant.
Click here for more information: BARC "Transforms" Pet Adoption Event
