Cute aren't they. Well they need your help! The Ocean County Board of Freeholders (NJ) is calling on the public to help nearly 100 kittens that have been turned over to the two local animal shelters.
They admit this is the time of year that litters of kittens are surrendered to the shelters or abandoned, but Freeholder Gerry Little says the number of surrendered animals has increased by about 30 % since last year. Shelter supervisors say home foreclosures have forced many area residents to give up family pets when they loose their homes.
According to the state director of the Humane Society of the United States, some people can no longer afford to feed their animals, while others are moving into rental properties that don't allow pets.
The shelters in Ocean County charge a $55 donation to adopt a kitten. That helps to offset spaying or neutering and immunizations. The cats have also been microchipped for identification.
There are 20 kittens at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter and nearly 80 at the Northern Occean County Animal Shelter. The animal shelters are run by the Ocean County Health Department.
This is happening across the country, so please help if you can!
If you already have an animal buddy, maybe your buddy needs a pet!
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
REALTOR-Associate®
e-PRO®, ABR®
609-384-6121
Laura@JerseyShoreViews.com
Representing New Jersey home buyers and sellers in southern Ocean County; Homes in Waretown, Homes in Barnegat, Homes in Manahawkin, Homes in Eagleswood, Homes in Tuckerton, Homes in Little Egg Harbor and Homes on Long Beach Island. You can also contact me about homes in northern Atlantic County; Homes in Galloway, Homes in Absecon, Homes in Mullica, Homes in Egg Harbor, Homes in Mizpah and Homes in Mays Landing.
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Terrible situation, I just don't understand how people don't see the importance of spay and neuter...these poor things....thanx for sharing
It is a bad situation, many shelters are looking for foster homes for these pets. I always try to help my clients, if they must leave their home and can't take their pets, find suitable shelter for their furry family members! Thanks for coming by..(I love your pic on your profile page!)
Thanks for helping people be more aware of this tragic problem. I could no imagine how someone could give up a member of the family. With luck more people will realize how important it is to spay and neuter your pets. Thanks so much for this important reminder!
Betina
Hi Laura,
A sad commentary for sure. Most areas promote pet adoption on a regular basis. I can only imaging the over crowding in the shelters.
Thanks Betina, some people say I sound like a broken record! I guess these daays it would be a worn CD! Have a great day! (What's the movie?)
Thanks Hal, want a kitten?
I have a houseful of cats already, so I can't handle more right now. It sure does tempt me whenever I see them abandoned though. In fact, all but one of our cats was adopted by us after someone moved out and just left them behind! And we feed some feral cats that I believe were mistreated and abandoned (they are very mistrustful of people).
I have heard every type of excuse - we have to move to an apartment that doesn't take pets, etc. Well, if they wanted to move to a place that didn't take more than 2 children and they had 4, would they pick 2 to leave behind?
Our pets are family, not possessions to leave behind if there isn't room. I know foreclosed homeowners are stressed, but there are so many ways to get help! I see no excuse for just discarding a helpless animal. God bless those willing and able to help.
Also, check out my blog on a special sanctuary for pet victims of foreclosure.
Susan Thanks for your comments. Pets are family members, so I too have a hard time wrapping my head around leaving them behind! I check the blog now. Thanks for all you do on behalf of animals!
Hi Laura...We haven't had that many foreclosures in my area, but I've been reading about this in other areas. People should adopt and contribute to the care of these innocent and vulnerable victims.
The issue of pets and how they are impacted by foreclosure never really crossed my mind. It can be a very hard situation for the shelters and volunteers. My wife and I used to foster pets for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society and the Dogue De Bordeaux Socity a couple years ago. We used to take in so many litters of kittens and puppies. As soon as we returned a litter they would have another ready for us with a few days. It really kept us busy, I can only imagine how busy they are now. It's pretty sad, I couldn't imagine leaving our dogs behind.
Thanks Jason, I love those Bordeaux pups! My cousin in San Diego raises and shows them! I agree, it' must be hard to leave your home, but pets...I can't imagine!