Huntsville Animal Services is trying to clean up a shelter after 70 dogs were dropped off in one week

Huntsville Animal Services is looking for people to adopt or foster animals after 70 dogs were dropped off at the shelter on Triana Boulevard last week.

Animal Services interim director Virgie Graham said the shelter is full. Starting Friday, May 3, the shelter will waive fees for most adult dogs and cats through Saturday, May 11.

“We need your help to solve the problem in Huntsville and across the country,” Graham said. He said the animal shelter really needs more people to adopt, foster and benefit from spay and neuter programs.

In previous interviews with the Huntsville Times, Animal Services officials said the shelter can normally comfortably house between 40 and 60 dogs. Keeping the dog population under control is an ongoing battle, but local foster and rescue organizations have helped.

In addition to the 70 dropped off, the shelter is also preparing for cat breeding season, which is starting and will last until September or early October. Residents are urged to spay or neuter their cats to control the population. Cat owners are also urged to keep them indoors during the breeding season.

Most of the dogs at the shelter are medium to large dogs weighing 40 to 60 pounds. They are the pit bull, Lab types with different mixed breeds. In an earlier interview, Animal Control Officer Stefany McBride said these are the most difficult dogs to adopt.

McBride said people interested in adopting can check out the Animal Services Facebook page or the page on the city’s website. She said 98% of the dogs available for adoption are pictured there.

McBride said people can also come to the shelter to view animals available for adoption. Animal Services asks people for their driver’s license for identification and a rental agreement if they are a renter.

Animal Services also offers a foster program that temporarily removes animals from the shelter and can increase their chances of adoption.

Each pet is spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. The animals also come with a city permit and a free bag of pet food.

Pet services are open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm; Tuesday, 9am to 6pm; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or visit them Facebook learn more.

Scott Turner reports for the Huntsville Times.

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