Branford Eagle

Sections

Some Favorite Sites

Government/ Community Links

Wanted: A Bigger Food Pantry for Needy Pets

by Sally E. Bahner | May 5, 2009 5:14 pm

(9) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Recession

Branford Animal Shelter Director Laura Burban (pictured) sees a big increase in the number of Branford residents who have been forced to give up their pets because of the recession. “Relinquishments,” as they are called, have doubled from last year; 282 animals have been impounded this year.

“It often comes down to feeding the kids or feeding the cat,” she says ruefully.

Branford’s experience is similar to other towns and cities across the nation.

Petfinder.com conducted a recent national survey of shelters to determine what impact the economic crisis was having on them. The survey found that 84 percent of its shelters and rescue groups (totaling more than 12,500) are caring for more pets than in the past. Of those animal shelters, 74 percent reported an increase in surrendered and abandoned animals since the same period last year. The survey also reported that 37 percent of shelters and rescue groups experienced a decrease in pet adoptions in the past year.

People are devastated when they surrender their pets. Burban tries to be reassuring and encourages them to visit their pet at the shelter. However, animals are often just dropped outside the shelter, off hours.

The new animal shelter director assessed the situation, determined to find a way to help people keep their pets. She established a Pet Pantry, which enables residents to pick up food for their furry member of the family. It is located at the very busy Volunteer Services Center’s clothing bank on Harrison Avenue, but a larger place is needed.

Now Burban is on a mission to find a location that’s accessible to residents and provides more storage. She says that approximately 100 pet owners are in need. Many more have been turned away. If readers have ideas, please e-mail her here or email us here.

Burban has reached out to other town facilities. She says the pantry needs to be on a large scale. Since the shelter, which also services North Branford and Northford, can accept food only for its residents, the Pet Pantry must be off-site. Citing space problems most of the town departments have already said no.

Burban is thinking of approaching some local churches. She hopes someone will come forward once the word gets out.

Meanwhile, Help Willy’s Friends will be accepting donations for the Pet Pantry. Help Willy’s Friends is a non-profit organization based in Durham that collects, food, supplies and funds for local animal shelters. A Pet Fair in Durham May 17 will benefit local shelters.

There’s also a pet pantry at the East Haven Animal Shelter, but Animal Control Officer Kristina Ruszczyk reports that few people have taken advantage of it, despite the fact that information is posted on the shelter’s website. She believes, sadly, that people just prefer to give up their animals.

“People think cats can live off the land and abandon them when they move,” she says.

That practice results in a large feral cat population, where cats reproduce randomly and live short, painful lives.

The Branford shelter tries to keep pairs — siblings or companion cats – together and that’s 99 percent successful, says Burban. Three pairs of cats are available right now: Asja and Blaze, Fifi and Bella, and Rusty and Honey. Burban says the duos do take a bit longer to adopt, three to four months rather than the typical month, however, she believes it’s important to keep the emotional and physical welfare of the pet in mind.

There are ways for pet owners to save on their bills. Ruszczyk says her shelter offers help with spay/neuter and vaccinations. People have sought out information about the low-cost Compassionate Care Animal Center (860-380-0415) and TEAM (888-367-8326), which offers low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations for cats through its mobile van. The East Haven pet shelter is located at 183 Commerce St.

“People really take advantage of TEAM,” says Ruszczyk. “It’s like gold!” Approximately 38 to 40 cats are spayed when it’s in town.

Mary Mellows, president of the Branford Compassion Club, which rescues, rehabilitates and places cats and kittens, has also seen an increase in phone calls from people needing to surrender pets. She says she has calls pending for a 15-year-old cat, a 10-year-old cat, as well as three 12-year-old cats from an older person. People are also reporting finding abandoned friendly cats who are wearing collars.

Cat owners are also calling looking for food, she says.

Depending on the age of the cat, she says they are placed in foster homes or referred to the Branford Animal Shelter or Animal Haven in North Haven. Mellows says people ought to think about adopting a nice older cat instead of insisting on a kitten.

Guilford has a new shelter located at the Guilford Public Safety Complex on Route 77, but only stray dogs are picked up. The shelter does not accept relinquished pets or cats, nor have they seen an upsurge in people surrendering their pets, according the ACO Debra Volpe. Mostly they pick up roaming dogs, which are usually reunited with their owners.

Overall, animal shelters, volunteer groups and veterinarians will work with residents who are financially strapped.

Call or stop by the pet pantries for food. Work with your veterinarian on costs; ask about installment payments. Look into area rabies clinics and discounted opportunities for spay/neuter costs. If you have to move, try to take the time to find a pet-friendly apartment. See if a friend or relative can foster your pet rather than give it up.

If you’re looking to adopt, go to the shelter first. There are lots of wonderful dogs and cats just waiting for a furr-ever home and staff on hand to help you find the purr-fect one.

###

Comments

posted by: Boristt on May 6, 2009 10:23am

I can’t understand people that have pets and then can’t afford them, they say could just get rid of them. I have three pets and i would do what ever i could not to get rid of them.they are like family members.

posted by: Mary on May 6, 2009 1:36pm

Great article Sally and great job, Laura ! I assume you have asked Dan Cosgrove if he knows of any available space.

You might want to add Friends of Animals to your list of low cost spay/neuter providers.

posted by: susan barnes on May 6, 2009 10:56pm

I am just slightly curious why Mary would assume Laura has asked Dan Cosgrove if he knows of any available space?

posted by: Mary on May 9, 2009 8:09am

Susan - Dan is a man who can get things done. Bill O’Brien would be another good one to approach for help on this project.

-snip-Well known for his significant contributions and support of the Connecticut Hospice where the Sun Wing is dedicated in his honor, to Albertus Magnus College where the Athletic Center bears his name, to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter in Branford, Dan’s philanthropic efforts are legion. He has contributed workforces, materials, money, equipment and land to innumerable shoreline projects, including his donation of Patty’s Park to the town of Branford. Countless charities, churches of all denominations, parochial schools, monasteries, educational, medical, civic and humane organizations - and hundreds of individuals - have been the recipients of his generosity. He served as Branford’s March of Dimes Chairman for several years and on multiple school, recreation and church building committees. -snip-

posted by: Peggy Flynn on May 11, 2009 10:11pm

Mary, I don’t know if you are aware of the fact that Susan Barnes is Dan Cosgrove’s daughter. Your excerpt was taken from a bio SHE wrote when her father was honored by the Irish community with the Dinnan Award and by the American Red Cross for humanitarianism. ‘Just sayin’

posted by: susan barnes on May 12, 2009 9:03am

I, of course, applaud Mary for immediately pointing out ALL that Dad has done for his community. Perhaps, Mary, you should forward your St. Pat’s Ball Program to Kurt for perusal. I understand he asked someone to approach Dan Cosgrove to fill in the Tabor property so that the town of Branford would have something nice by which to remember him!! I wish Kurt would do something nice for Branford too. LEAVING leaps to mind.

Mary, I have been in contact with Laura regarding the pet food pantry with a couple of suggestions and have spoken with someone who perhaps will be able to help in expanding to these locations. Thank you for your interest in helping the animals and their owners who are going through lean times.

posted by: Peggy Flynn on May 12, 2009 4:56pm

Mary pointed out the wonderful things Dan Cosgrove has done,I sent this post only to let Mary know that Susan is his daughter.
Susan Barnes,I’m sure, probably doesn’t have clue how much impact this man has had on people’s lives. Many are known only to those he did for. Certainly, you newcomers wouldn’t have a clue either.

posted by: MARY on May 15, 2009 9:56am

Susan - I did not know your relationship to Dan Cosgrove, whose contributions I admire.

I have no idea , however, what you are referring to as “my” St. Pat’s Ball Program. You must be confusing me with someone else. I have no affiliation with anything having to do with St. Pat or any other saint for that matter.

Thank you , Susan, for helping the helpless animals

posted by: susan barnes on May 16, 2009 6:00am

Sorry, Mary. Since the excerpt you used was from the St. Patrick’s Day Ball program, I thought you were an attendee.
Regardless, thanks for your kind words.

New Haven Independent Login Form