Just over a week ago, the Emporia Animal Shelter said it couldn’t accept stray animals because it was full. After transfers to larger cities and action by local residents, there is now some space at the shelter.
Speaking after the organization’s annual meeting Tuesday, Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Stephanie Achille tells KVOE News the shelter was full last week, but it was quite a bit overfull last fall.
The shelter now has 36 kennels in place — 18 each for cats and dogs — and the goal now is to not “co-house” animals unless they are bonded seniors or very young pets. At most, Achille says the shelter’s goal is to have 40 pets at one time. Achille says there were times when the shelter had over 120 animals, including the time around a management switch last year, and the goal is to never reach that level again. In fact, the shelter will have to turn animals away whenever it reaches its Capacity for Care mark, which now is 50.
Last week, there was an outcry over signage at the shelter reminding community members the facility does not accept voluntary surrenders — and also over guidance from the shelter to either leave strays where they were or to take strays back where they were found in an effort to let the pets find their way home. Achille credited transfers, especially of cats, to places like Manhattan, as well as local interest for helping to alleviate the current situation. She also says a recent emphasis on spaying and neutering is already paying off.
Residents interested in adopting pets can call the shelter at 620-340-6345. The shelter has a $17 St. Pitty and Kitty adoption event in honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, although it is moving its Pet Palooza from Saturday to later this spring or summer. Achille will join KVOE’s Morning Show at 8:20 am Thursday to discuss the St. Pitty and Kitty event and a renewed focus on pet foster parents.
