MACON, Ga. — About 3 months ago, the Macon-Bibb Animal Welfare was shut down and left unable to accept new pets by the state Department of Agriculture. Inspectors say they found the shelter overcapacity, dirty, and unhealthy.
County spokesperson Chris Floore says since then the shelter made repairs and adjustments to fix the violations, but they're still waiting for the state to clear them to accept new pets.
Meanwhile, foster groups and vet offices are filling up with animals as they work to help fill the void.
At Greenwood Farm Veternary Clinic, Nan Ashmore says she has a few more cats than normal.
She says the kittens she is fostering were found by the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. They would normally be taken to the Bibb County Animal Welfare Shelter, but instead, she's keeping them at her office.
The shelter was given a stop order back in October, which means they cannot accept more animals due to overcrowding and sanitation concerns.
Documents from the Department of Agriculture show they were cited for problems with drainage, waste disposal, sanitation, and space requirements. Until those concerns are addressed, they can't accept strays or missing pets.
Susan Wynn works for H.A.R.P.S, which stands for homeless animals rescue prevention service. It's a group that helps spay and neuter animals and then find them homes.
"We just try to give them a better life get them fixed get them well, get them happy and send them on their way," said Wynn.
She says if people don't spay and neuter their pets it means, there will always be more stray animals in need of help. Until the shelter reopens, outside groups and people like Ashmore and Wynn must keep stepping up to make sure kittens like these stay healthy and find good homes.
Chris Floore spokesperson for Macon-Bibb County says right now Animal Welfare is creating a plan to prevent the shelter from getting overcrowded or unsanitary again. Once the state signs off on that plan, the shelter should be able to open again.
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