Many animal shelters across the Tri-State are facing a dilemma; not enough space for all of the dogs and cats needing homes.
In Dearborn County, the coming winter months present an urgent challenge for the shelter staff.
A cornfield surrounds the Dearborn County Animal Shelter just outside of Manchester. Inside you can find cages stacked to the ceiling and nowhere near enough space for pens for the dogs.
The outside kennels serve as overflow. During warm weather that has worked for nine years. Cold weather is a different animal.
Tom Orschell and his fellow county commissioners say that's when the outdoor kennels have to close.
"It's not only hazardous for the workers outside. The gates are freezing up. Water freezes up," said Orschell. "It's just not fair to the animals to be outside in this brutal weather."
Marlene Underwood has spent 13 years as the assistant director at the shelter. She says the shelter has taken in more dogs this year than in the past.
"The economy is terrible and a lot of people are having to give up their animals because they can't afford them," said Underwood.
Some fear the shortage of space may lead to more dogs having to be put down.
"I don't even want to think about that. We just think about adopting the dogs," said Underwood.
Some generous donations from a volunteer group that work with the shelter provides some hope. The county plans to use almost one point $8 million to build and operate a new shelter in this cornfield but that won't happen until next fall.
Before the cold of winter sets in, Underwood needs help. She's confident the shelter can weather the storm.
"We're determined we're going to find homes. We work with local rescue groups that we're hoping to come forward and help us in this situation," said Underwood.
For more information on adopting an animal, click here. Just put in your zip code and PetFinder will do the rest.
