Dogs, cats at high risk of euthanasia at overcrowded shelter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The largest public animal shelter in Indianapolis has announced that it is at capacity and animals are in critical need of adoption to avoid euthanasia.

According to Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), an influx of surrendered pets is typical heading into the holiday season.

This year, the shelter is out of space due to efforts to avoid destroying cats and dogs.

“We have been struggling because we aren’t euthanizing as much as we have in the past,” Deputy Director Katie Trennepohl said. “By ordinance, we have to take those animals so if we can’t get them out with the help of our rescue partners, with adoption or finding their homes, the only option that we have is euthanasia and that’s not something that we take lightly here.”

IACS will run its “Pay it Forward” promotion through the end of the year which waives the adoption fee with a $15 worth of items donated off its wish list.

“It’s a great time for them to come and adopt but also the shelter to move some animals out because we really need to; lives depend on it at this point,” Trennepohl said.

IACS can house between 600 and 700 animals. It currently has zero empty cage space.

If people are unable to adopt, the agency said it can use volunteers to walk dogs and foster homes to take in cats or dogs for two weeks.