This kitten is one on many animals brought in from a home to the Grand Strand Humane Society.
/ Lisa Edge
It's no secret our area is experiencing a problem with homeless pets and one advocate says it's getting worse.
An already crowded situation was made worse when the Grand Strand Humane Society received 87 cats and dogs from two separate cases last month.
"I think that when that happens normally it starts off as a kind well meant thing to help animals. Then it snowballs and people are overwhelmed and they don't get help. They don't know where to get the help. So you can't be led with your heart with that you've got to use your brain. You've got to think can I take care of that many," explains Sandy Brown, Executive Director of the Grand Strand Humane Society.
The Grand Strand Humane Society was already over capacity and now Brown says they don't have anymore space to accept animals from the public. Until the animals find homes they can only take in ones brought in from Animal Control.
Caring for the extra animals has put a strain on their resources. They have several large dogs in a conference room and they may be there for awhile since bigger dogs are harder to find homes for.
They're also caring for extra cats. A couple of the cats have had kittens while in their care and the shelter suspects another cat is pregnant. That means they'll need more food, litter, and medicine. This creates a significant financial burden.
"The strain on our employees of working longer hours. It's physical. What some of them that feed and clean that's a physical job. It's stressful and it's stressful for those of us who work here who love animals. It's very hard to watch. So it's been a strain emotionally and financially," adds Brown.
"The real answer, the true answer is spay and neuter. Don't bring unwanted animals into the world. They're abandoned. They're forgotten. Somebody else needs to take care of them. So get your animals spayed and neutered. Even If they're for hunting," Brown explains since the homeless population isn't getting any smaller.
About four years ago the GSHS decided they would not euthanize animals for space and they are committed to find adoptable pets a home.
If you'd like to help, they are located at 3241 Mr. Joe White Avenue Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 and can be reached at (843) 918-4910.
