Shelter animals at risk of euthanization again; Why does this keep happening?

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) - Volunteers at the Blackfoot animal shelter have said some of their dogs only have until Saturday before they are euthanized.

This isn't the first time the shelter has been overcrowded. Earlier this fall, Local News 8 did a story covering the imminent danger. As a result the community intervened and were able to adopt enough dogs to save the ones at risk.

But now we have to ask, 'why does this keep happening?'

According to volunteers the shelter has over 46 dogs and more coming in every day. Volunteer Kamryn Husbey told Local News 8 space and resources have become a major issue.

"When I get (the shelter gets) really full, I end up having to put dogs in my bottom cat kennels," Husbey said. "The building is just very small. The kennels are close together. Sometimes they're doubled (multiple dogs in one kennel)."

Some of those pets are in for rough winter; As the shelter fills up on the inside, those who can are left out in the cold.

Husbey said part of the issue is the animal shelter is too small to meet the needs of the county, and Blackfoot Animal Control couldn't agree more.

"We only have this small little shelter and it could be full, but we need to bring in dogs," animal control officer Stacey Davies said. "We don't have room for them. Don't have room for the cats. So it is it is an issue that, you know, the shelter's just too small."

In a letter, the Blackfoot Animal Shelter and Rescue wrote about the ongoing issues facing the community. They write, "Standard poodles, doodles, golden retrievers, mini poodles, hypoallergenic dogs, ect. We have had them all. Each breed was once a popular breed, and everyone starts breeding which then overpopulates that breed. Doodles where all the craze, everyone wanted one. Now they are over breed and are winding up in the shelters everywhere..."

The shelter directors continue they've seen evidence of impulse buying and unethical breeding, and when people can't afford the pets or breeders can't sell them they abandon the animals.

Animal Control officers and animal shelter directs say stop breeding, stop buying from breeders, and stop getting animals you can't commit to.