Volunteers with Mamou’s animal control say they’re in desperate need of donations and more volunteers.
When visiting Mamou’s animal control, it’s an emotional time for both Jen Shaw and the dogs.
“I can’t help, but cry it breaks my heart,” Shaw said.
Shaw is a volunteer and she says the area, isn’t ideal for what she says the animals need.
“Cages are not stable. There are drainage problems. It’s very unhealthy,” Shaw said. “The gates will come open if the dogs will push them too much and we do not have the funding to fix these things.”
Shaw says there are 14 kennels and it can get overcrowded.
“There’s double in each cage. We have about 20 (dogs) that we pulled to make sure that we have a cage open at all times for a dog if one is picked up.”
Shaw says she’s taken in some of the animals.
“It’s the only chance they have,” Shaw said. “Without us as volunteers, they have no chance. Half of the town doesn’t even know where the pound is at. It touches my heart and I come every day and visit them. That’s why you hear them barking. They know I’m here.”
Animal control is owned and operated by the town of Mamou. The mayor says they don’t have enough money in their budget to rebuild a shelter.
In the meantime, Shaw is working with non-profit animal rescues for help. She’s working to get the dogs adopted so they can have a place to call home.
“They can’t tell you,” Shaw said about the dogs. “All they can do is sit behind these bars and look at you with those sad eyes and that’s everyday I see. People have thrown away these animals like they are trash. I come here every day to show them that they are loved.”
For more information on how to help the dogs, click here
If you’d like to adopt one of the animals, you can visit Petco Animal Supplies a 609 Settlers Trace Blvd from 10 a.m.- 2p.m.
