MASSACHUSETTS — The dogs are plentiful at the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Some are wondering when it will be their turn to walk out the front door. Executive Director Kristin Mullins says it’s been this way for some time.
"Right now, we're probably at 90% capacity for our dogs," Mullins said. "That always cycles, that number cycles and certainly changes at times."
The nonprofit is one of six joining forces for "Mass Saves," a weeklong adoption event where people can take home a dog a year or older without paying an adoption fee. The initiative is being led by the MSPCA, who describes the current situation as a crisis, saying the population is out of control.
What You Need To Know
- Six local groups, including Worcester Animal Rescue League, are joining forces to save and improve the lives of homeless animals across Massachusetts.
- The first official act of the coalition will be a group-wide, fee-waived adoption event called “Mass Saves” for all dogs aged one-year and older.
- The MSPCA says many Massachusetts animal welfare groups are feeling overwhelmed and stuck trying to manage challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including a huge increase in the number of dogs entering shelters.
Mullins says post-COVID-19 life has been a challenge for the Animal Rescue League, as a number of their dogs have to be the only animal in a home. Another hurdle has been inflation.
"There's been certainly an increase in the cost of everything including dog food, dog supplies, certainly veterinary care has increased and it's making it unaffordable for some people to keep their pet," said Mullins.
Joker is one of the dogs the animal rescue league is hoping will be adopted. He's lived at the shelter for more than two years.
His handler and long-time volunteer Jay Stranieri says he's never worked with a dog as long as Joker, and although it will be bittersweet, he wants him to find his new home.
"Couple years of therapy for me," Stranieri joked. "You say, 'OK, I'm happy, this is the best thing.' I've got my next one lined up."
On top of fighting homelessness, "Mass Saves" is hoping to curb euthanasia. National database Shelter Animals Count estimates the number of cats and dogs put down in U.S. shelters increased by 15% last year, compared to 2022..
The rescue league is a no-kill shelter. But, some animals may be shipped to other states because of shelter capacity. Mullins is hopeful "Mass Saves" can address this issue.
"That's where most of our population comes from right now, those lost and stray animals that need support," Mullins said. "So, you know, four went out, four came in. So sometimes, that's the tide we're up against. But we really believe next week's going to help turn the tide a bit."
"Mass Saves" will start on Monday and run through Sunday, July 21. Worcester Animal Rescue League says although the adoption fee will be waved, applicants will still have to go through their normal process.