Humane Shelter Still Dealing With Cat Overcrowding Issue

The Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter continues to deal with a cat overcrowding problem.

Last month, the shelter reported that it had 164 cats in the shelter and 240 animals in the facility overall, even though the animal shelter is only designed to hold 150 animals in all.

At that time, Shelter Director Jeff Roberts said the shelter needed to reduce its cat numbers by at least 80-plus cats in about 30 days, or the future of many of the cats in the shelter’s care would be uncertain.

About halfway through that 30 day period, Roberts said the shelter is still facing a difficult situation.

“We are making some progress, but we also got in 100 new cats this month so we are still struggling with the large number of cats and kittens in the shelter,” said Roberts.

Roberts went on to say that some help is on the way in the coming days.

“Right now, it is about the same, but we are transporting 40 plus animals to Massachusetts next week,” said Roberts. “That will help some, but we will have a large number of kittens in the shelter.”

According to Roberts, the overcrowding situation at the animal shelter is causing financial issues.

He said that the shelter had an $8,000 operating deficit as of last month and the shelter cannot continue to operate with that sort of deficit.

To help raise money for caring for the animals at the shelter, a fundraiser was held last month at the Tugaloo Center for the Performing Arts at Stephens County High School.

Roberts said that fundraiser did provide some help for the shelter.

“The fundraiser went really well,” said Roberts. “Everyone seemed to have a very good time at the event. We were also able to raise some funds to help with the transport next week.”

Also to help reduce that number of cats, Roberts said the shelter is still offering a special deal for those who want to adopt a cat or kitten.

Under that promotion, if people adopt a cat or kitten, they can get a second one at no additional charge.

To find out more about adoptions, visit www.tschs.org or visit the shelter on Scenic Drive during business hours, which are between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.