BHS Shelter Over Capacity

NASSAU, BAHAMAS -The Bahamas Humane Society will be temporarily closing its door to new animal surrenders. The reason? Over-population at the shelter.

Marlena Leonard has more on this story from the Humane Society.

Founded in 1924, The Bahamas Humane Society has existed for almost 100 years.

But these past two years have been especially challenging for the shelter, following a spike in animal surrenders – where for whatever reason, pet owners are no longer able to care for their animals.

Acting Shelter Manager Peter Feldman tells Our News the shelter originally intended to hold around 200 animals, is now doing its best to care for around 600.

Feldman says the steep increase in the shelter’s population began after hurricane Dorian and continues as families struggle financially in the pandemic.

But it should be noted that the shelter’s main intake doesn’t come from these cases of single pet surrenders, but cases of entire litters coming into the shelter on a regular basis.

Spaying and neuter programs are crucial.

Although they’re closed for surrenders, Feldman says other functions are still operational.

If you’re not in a position to adopt, but you still want to help, reach out through the BHS Facebook page or simply donate old newspapers.