Last year, the Delaware County SPCA had to euthanize over 300 dogs and cats it couldn't find homes for. It is now planning to become a no-kill shelter by 2012. To get there, they've decided to stop taking in strays from around the county by next July. Instead, the shelter will focus on programs to prevent over population and animal cruelty.
The SPCA takes in over 4,000 strays a year. Now, the question is where do they go a year from now? It's a question that has caught local municipalities by surprise.
Township and borough managers meeting in Marcus Hook today say they're scrambling to find alternatives to the SPCA shelter.
Glenolden Borough Manager Brian Hoover says, "It's gonna be impossible for any one municipality to deal with strays on its own. It's just too costly."
The municipalities are now looking for other private licensed organizations, and even veterinarians and pet stores who are willing to shelter strays for adoption - places that are more visible than the secluded SPCA shelter.
"I think maybe the time has come for more entities to become licensed shelters and for adoptable animals to be more in the public eye," said Samantha Reiner, Edgemont Township Manager.
No more strays for the SPCA, but it will still treat victims of animal cruelty, and take in pets surrendered by owners for adoption.
