Statewide Adoption Push Rehomes 157 Shelter Dogs: MSPCA

SALEM, MA — A statewide, fee-free shelter dog adoption push aimed at easing the capacity crunch and resource strain on shelters within the MSPCA-Angell network and beyond was successful in finding forever homes for 157 puppies last week.

The “Mass Saves” adoptathon waived fees for all dogs 1 year old or older at the MSPCA-Angell shelters, the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boton Animal Control, Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, Dakin Humane Society and Berkshire Humane Society from July 15-July 21.

The coalition is in response to a nationwide euthanasia crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis that has included more dogs entering shelters and staying there longer, leading to an increase in disease and behavioral issues within shelters and burnout among overworked staff.

“Thank you to everyone who shared the news and helped these pups find their happy endings,” a MSPCA-Angell spokesperson said.

The coalition is funded by Best Friends Animal Society.

“The issues facing animal welfare right now are daunting, to say the least,” MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection Mike Keiley said. “But we know that our best chance to address them means we need to work together.

“So, we’re going to start at the top with one of the most pervasive issues we’re experiencing, and that’s the dog population crisis.”

One of those issues is behavioral issues that can develop in shelters, making dogs and cats more difficult to rehome. Shelters often do not have enough trained behavior specialists to work with dogs and cats that are struggling with these issues.

As part of the coalition, MSPCA-Angell will establish a behavior outreach role to work directly
with animals at other shelters while also helping coalition members learn effective remedies they will be able to use on their own.

“Given that dogs entering shelters here (in Massachusetts) have an increasing need for behavior support and other resources, we’ve (the MSPCA-Angell) been advancing how we can meet those needs in our shelters and have found success,” Keiley said. “Now, it’s time to expand that support to other shelters with similar needs, and we’re confident they can be successful as well, despite some lofty headwinds.”

Adoptions are ongoing with those seeking a new addition to their family invited to view available dogs here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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