Cheltenham Animal Shelter almost full with unwanted dogs
STRAY dogs are putting an animal shelter under so much pressure it can no longer take on any new pups.
Bosses at Cheltenham Animal Shelter admitted the numbers being brought in had reached breaking point.
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waiting for a home: Sandy with Kate Barnes from the Cheltenham Animal Shelter
The shelter has 55 dogs, with 40 currently in rehoming kennels. The rest of the 15 dogs are still being in quarantine, despite having finished their eight days in the section.
It is now no longer accepts any sign-over dogs – the name given to canines brought in by members of public who can no longer care for them. The charity, based in Gardeners Lane, takes dogs from Tewkesbury Borough, Cotswold District, Cheltenham Borough, and Gloucester City councils.
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Deborah Barron, fundraising and PR manager at the animal shelter, said they had reached the point of having to turn some people away.
She added: "Sadly, we receive many phone calls on a daily basis from people desperate to rehome their pets.
"We hear many genuine reasons for them wanting to sign their pet over into our care. As you can imagine, there are also many frustrating excuses that we hear time and time again."
Among the animals waiting for a new home is Sandy, a tan and white ridgeback boxer who has been at the shelter for more than a year. He was originally brought to the shelter in December 2011 by a Cotswold dog warden.
Deborah said: "He was rehomed, but sadly the adoption did not work out and so he was returned to us in March last year. He has remained with us ever since."
The shelter had 35 dogs on its register from December 1 to Christmas Day but has seen an increase over the new year.
Around seven dogs in the rehoming units have been reserved, with some of them successfully passing their home check and are awaiting collection.
Deborah said: "In the last couple of weeks, it has just been strays coming in and we can't cope with people signing their dogs over. If the quarantine is full, then we will have to turn the strays away, and the councils will have to make some new arrangements for the dogs to go elsewhere. Hopefully the adoptions will go through."
Anyone wanting to adopt a dog should contact the shelter on 01242 523521.
6 Comments
by Glos_Lad34
Monday, January 28 2013, 8:04PM
“My dog is from the Cheltenham Animal Shelter and let's hope one day most of the dogs get re-homed.”
by CBCschmucks
Monday, January 28 2013, 12:38PM
“All my animals have come from shelters and they make far better pets than anything from a puppy mill. It's a shame so many animals get dumped at shelters when the newness of having them wears off. People should have to take a test and get a licence when they have that knee jerk reaction to give birth or purchase an animal. Let's hope the animal shelter gets some loving and understanding owners for those locked up there. Finally, if you can't adopt at the moment like me, take your old blankets, towels or anything that will help the shelter belay the cost of running it. Plus you and the animals will get a warm feeling out of your kindness.”
by amy86
Sunday, January 27 2013, 5:02PM
“I understand theyre incredibly busy, but unfortunately saying they wont take any sign overs will just lead people who are desperate to get rid of an animal to dumping them which wont leave the shelters any choice. Ive often wondered why they dont get people to foster animals when they get so busy, and have a website with all the animals details for people to peruse, especially long termers to free up some space in the kennels (i.e. as many tears do).”
by HollyR1984
Saturday, January 26 2013, 12:18PM
“Well it seems as though the "A Dog is for life, not just for Christmas" message isn't getting through. We've got a rescued Belgian Shepherd dog and she is truly amazing. I would strongly urge anyone to rescue a dog - they make the most fantastic friends!”
by ghiabelinda
Saturday, January 26 2013, 12:08PM
“a rescue dog makes a fantastic pet, mine is amazing and i must say probably the best dog i have ever had. it makes sense to me to adopt, would do it again, best thing i did.”
by MrGarnet
Saturday, January 26 2013, 11:37AM
“Good luck in re-homing their dogs.
I have had two lovely dogs from them.”