Urgent Community Alert: Understanding Our Capacity and Mission
Today, one of our dedicated volunteers faced a challenging situation when responding to a call from an individual who found a stray and requested our assistance. Unfortunately, due to our current overcapacity and lack of available fosters, we were unable to take in this animal. This situation escalated as the caller expressed frustration, under two significant misunderstandings:
We Are Not County Operated: It’s crucial to clarify that ICARE is a private, non-profit organization. Unlike county shelters, we are not mandated by law to take in every animal, but we do our utmost within our means.
We Are a No-Kill Shelter: Contrary to the suggestion that we should euthanize animals that have been with us “too long,” ICARE is committed to saving lives. We only consider euthanasia in extreme cases where an animal is severely ill or poses a safety risk.
This incident brings to light the severe challenges we face daily. Our shelter, and indeed our community, is at a tipping point with the overwhelming number of animals in need. The call is a reminder of the critical importance of responsible pet ownership. Key to this is spaying and neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters. Each week, we see anywhere from 20 to 50 puppies come into our care – a clear sign of the urgent need for community action.
Moreover, adopting a pet is a significant commitment, often spanning 10 to 15 years. It requires careful consideration of one’s stability and readiness to provide a forever home. Unfortunately, a considerable number of the dogs that come to us are those that have been abandoned, once loved and then discarded.
As a community, it’s time for us to reflect on and commit to responsible pet ownership. This includes considering the long-term commitment pets require, and actively participating in solutions like spaying and neutering to control the pet population. ICARE is dedicated to our mission of saving and rehoming dogs and cats, but we cannot do it alone. We need your understanding, support, and action.
Please consider how you can help, whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or educating others about responsible pet ownership. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many animals in need.
For those interested in supporting our mission or considering adding a furry member to your family, please visit us at www.icarearkansas.com. Let’s work together for a future where every pet has a loving home.
Submitted
This material was submitted by a member of the community, and Hallmark Times would like to thank them for sharing with us!
