Paws 4 the Cause in “desperate need” of foster families as animal surrenders rise

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington animal rescue says it’s facing one of its toughest times yet as the number of abandoned and surrendered animals continues to surge.

Paws 4 the Cause says it has seen a steady increase in the number of animals needing care over the past couple of years — and the last six months have been especially challenging.

“It’s heartbreaking. A lot of days I wake up and I feel defeated,” said Anita Spreitzer with Paws 4 the Cause. She says rural shelters are calling every day, asking for help because they’re full and don’t want to euthanize animals.

“Every single week we are at capacity,” Spreitzer said. “No matter how many we move out, there’s a list that has to come in.”

Spreitzer, who has been with the organization for 45 years, says this is the worst she’s ever seen it — not just in Lexington, but in nearby counties as well. “Scott County is also reporting a very high number of dogs being abandoned — boxes of puppies being left on the side of the road, people throwing puppies over the fences at rural shelters,” she said.

Because shelters are so overcrowded, Spreitzer says some have begun adopting animals out without spaying or neutering them — a trend she’s hoping to change through proposed legislation. She says she’s spoken with State Senator Reginald Thomas about a bill that would require animals to be fixed before adoption.

The organization averages about 1,000 adoptions per year but has already surpassed that number this year. Despite the progress, Spreitzer says they’re in desperate need of foster families in the Lexington and Georgetown areas.

“A foster family is the lifeline to what we do here,” she said. “When they take a dog, they’re saving two lives.”

For those who can’t foster, Paws 4 the Cause encourages volunteering, taking a dog out for the day, or donating supplies and money to help support their mission. Click HERE, for more information.