An overcrowded animal shelter in Florida put out a call for help after taking in 56 pets on Thursday.
According to a Facebook post by Marion County Animal Services, the shelter has been “well over capacity for months.”
On Thursday, the issue of space became an “emergency” after MCAS rescued 56 dogs from a cruel case.
“We are calling on you, the public, to be the change you want to see in the world. Make a commitment to help a shelter dog, who is the majority of our population,” the Ocala, Florida shelter added on social media to the media.
The facility also used a Facebook post to share the motivation behind its animal rescue work.
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“Lily Tomlin once said, ‘Someone should do something. Then I realized that I AM someone.’ It’s one of the mottos of animal shelter workers,” MCAS wrote. “We live off of it personally and professionally. But we can’t do it alone. The animals keep coming, and if we want to help more, we need those already at our shelter to find housing.”
NBC Affiliate WESH reported that the 56 dogs rescued from cruelty will need time to recover at MCAS before they are ready to be adopted, meaning available dogs must be matched at kennels until there is room.
Animal compliance investigator Justin McClure said the 56 dogs from the cruelty case were found in disgusting and dangerous conditions.
“Whenever you walked up to the front door, you were faced with an overwhelming smell of ammonia and urine just from the extensive accumulation of animals urinating and defecating inside the house,” McClure said of the former home of 56 dogs.
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With critical capacity, MCAS is seeking adopters and foster parents to help address the overcrowding.
“Afraid of commitment but want to help? Adopt today. Give a dog a place to stay for a few weeks outside of our shelter. Help us free up some room,” MCAS posted on Facebook.
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MCAS waives adoption fees and sets up dog dates to encourage potential adopters. The shelter is hosting Doggy Date Day on February 10, where animal lovers can take an adoptable dog out for a morning date to celebrate Valentine’s Day early. The experience offers shelter dogs time to receive personal attention outside of the stressful environment of the shelter.
To learn more about the pets available for adoption at MCAS, visit the shelter’s Facebook page.
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Source: HIS Education