The Indianapolis Animal Care Services addressed public concern Monday about animals being euthanized due to an influx coming into shelters because of extreme weather conditions.

IACS Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl says that euthanasia should be the last resort and staff are providing other resources to owners to keep their animals at home.

“If it’s a situation where the owner just isn’t able to provide food for than animal, we can give them food to get them through a difficult time," Trennepohl says. "We can give them training resources, sometimes we’re able to help with medical resources, so the staff is really talking to the owners about that.”

Trennepohl also says that animals with severe medical or behavioral issues have a higher chance of being euthanized, but with the help of other rescue partners, some are given a chance to find a new home.

“So, we’ve had some support from those groups and then we’ve been doing free adoptions to get people in to come adopt," Trennepohl says. "Due to the situation we were in, we decided to waive all fees.”

People can help these animals by adopting, fostering, donating, or volunteering at shelters across the city.