Animals on the edge

For my sister, who lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, taking in feral cats is nothing new. But this year it's been different. Holly Boyer Dorr lives on a small farm with cats, chickens, dogs, goats, pigs, a pony, and a peacock, but this summer her cat family is growing because she keeps

finding domestic cats, not feral ones—three so far.

The latest rescue is an approximately four-week old kitten that my niece and her boyfriend found on the side of the road. When they got it home, the kitten knew how to use the litter box and was not afraid of people, but on closer inspection, it had scrapes, including around an eye. My sister surmised that it had been tossed from a car.

Many animal welfare agencies are observing a sharp increase in stray animals needing rescue, unlike anything that's been seen in recent years. It's been widely attributed to  increased economic stress.

In Philadelphia, shelters are reporting a record number of animals being surrendered. In five days, the ACCT Philly shelter in North Philly has received or rescued 600 animals. According to WHYY, "In an effort to create space and prevent more euthanasia, ACCT Philly is offering financial incentives funded by donors. The shelter is offering $200 to foster a dog, $150 to foster cats and kittens, and $750 to rescue partners for every large dog they take."

The New York Times has reported that around the country as deportations increase, animals are losing their owners. Holly has heard reports of this also in her area. She says that people are taken, their animals in some cases have remained in their homes without care. It appears that often federal agents are not reporting to local agencies that the animals have been left alone. 

For people willing to help, there's financial assistance available for pet food and medical care. In my sister's area the Queen Anne's County Animal Services offers a pet pantry for residents. Canned and dry food as well as other pet supplies are available.

In Philadelphia ACCT Philly is offering free adoption on the weekends throughout the month of August. Pet-care support is also available through a coalition of animal welfare agencies.