LONGVIEW (KYTX) - It's a problem that the Humane Society of Northeast Texas has been dealing with for years, and it's only getting worse. A special task force is trying to combat a massive animal overpopulation issue in and around Longview.
Dr. Kenneth Glaze is a veterinarian and chairman of the new task force, which Longview Mayor Jay Dean calls "Operation: Save the Animals."
"When we say "save the animals," there's a big push to lower the rate of euthanasia." says Dr. Glaze. "And, it is quite high. And, we're doing everything we can to lower that."
But, the shelter has limited space. Director Stuart Russell says it's become a dumping ground for unwanted pets. The Humane Society of Northeast Texas sees between 700 and 1,000 animals per month. They only have room for 140 though, so many cages have multiple animals in them.
In August, alone, the shelter took in 829 unwanted animals. It gave away 334, which means 495 either had to be euthanized or will be if they're not adopted.
"Everybody up there has shed at least a dozen tears a day over watching what happens up there." says Russell. "We're landlocked. We can't make the building any bigger, any newer; it is what it is."
That's why along with educating people about spay and neutering, the task force is considering building a bigger shelter. But, it will take several months to come up with a sound plan to present to city council.
"I'm supportive of anything that helps make this better." says Russell.
You can help combat the problem now by making sure your pets are spayed and neutered.
