City Animal Shelter Packed with Animals in Need of Adoption or Fostering

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2011

For more information, please contact: Laurie Ringquist, Director, Animal Care and Control, City of Bloomington, 349-3870
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3406, [mailto:schlemmerj@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN -- The Fourth of July produced more than just fireworks again this year. It also contributed to an over-abundance of animals at the City shelter. Every year, shelter staff sees a spike in animal intake with pets that run off due to noise and other factors associated with the holiday weekend.

"About this time each year we generally see a rise in the number of animals we take in here at the shelter," said Laurie Ringquist, Shelter Director. "While our intake of animals is actually down from this time last year, unfortunately so is our adoption rate."

Another factor contributing to the high number of animals currently being housed at the shelter is a recent and ongoing case in which Monroe County Animal Management impounded 21 dogs and 9 cats. These impounded animals are being held as evidence and are not yet available for adoption. Any decisions about placing the animals for adoption cannot be made until the case is resolved, and as a result capacity has been impacted as the animals are held.

"Residents can help the shelter by coming in, seeing all of the loving animals, and considering adding a permanent member to their family through adoption or a temporary one through fostering," said Ringquist. "Adoptions into healthy homes are a win for the animal, a win for the family, and a win for the shelter and its staff. I also want to remind everyone that kittens are half-price and adult cats are $30 through the end of July."

The public can visit adoptable animals at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter located at 3410 South Walnut. The shelter is open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays from noon until 7 p.m., and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Adoptable animals also can be seen on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at the Farmers' Market and they can be viewed on the shelter web site at [www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter|www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter]. For more information about adoptable animals call 812-349-3492.

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