CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — So many dogs and cats came into the animal shelter in Clarksville over the weekend that at one point, officials were concerned they may have to start euthanizing dogs and cats because of overcrowding issues.
Montgomery County Animal Care and Control officers took in 49 stray dogs and cats over the past weekend. An unusually high number that Director Dave Kaske blames on strong line of severe weather and residents shooting off fireworks early for the July 4th holiday, both often cause animals to run away.
“It’s just very frustrating because we want all of these animals to go home,” Kaske said sitting in his office.
A dire situation here in Clarksville where the animal shelter is so full there have been concerns about needing to euthanize some dogs and cats. pic.twitter.com/VOtEhBWqJr
— Chris Conte (@chrisconte) July 1, 2019
All morning long, a steady streaming of people were coming into MCAC either looking to adopt or looking for their lost animals. Kaske said that to keep overcrowding numbers down they’re asking the public to come claim their dogs or cats as quickly as possible.
“This weekend was just very unusual,” he added.
With a capacity for about 80 dogs and close to 150 cats, Kaske said he was concerned the shelter might have to start euthanizing animals when the facility became full. By Monday morning though, some of those fears had subsided as viral Facebook posts prompted dozens from the community to come in an volunteer to foster animals.