The Department of Animal Protection from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County was performing a wellness check when they removed 22 dogs, three cats, five snakes, and two geckos were removed from a home in Womelsdorf on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
All appear to be in good condition, and will soon need fosters or adopters, as the ARL said its facility was at capacity for cats and dogs.
“While the ARL is fully equipped with the skilled personnel, facilities, and industry expertise to respond to cases like this at a moment’s notice, these situations are extremely taxing on our shelter and significantly disrupt the delicate system of our day-to-day operations,” said ARL’s CEO, Ashley Mikulsky.
“There are dozens of cases in our community just like this right now, and just like we saw today, our Department of Animal Protection must be ready for anything because we know there is animals in need everywhere. Supporting the ARL and our ability to respond to situations like this cannot just be on a case by case basis – it is an everyday, all year long need.”
There are four ways in which the community can help ARL. The following is from an ARL press release:
Foster: We are looking for foster homes to take animals ASAP, but we have limited information on breed, ages, temperaments, etc. As the situation shifts, we will be able to provide more on the status of the animals, but please apply at https://berksarl.org/foster/ if you are willing to open your home to some of these animals in need. If you are already an existing foster, please contact foster@berksarl.org.
Volunteer: We will be at full capacity once these animals return, taxing an already short staff. If you have time in your day to assist with laundry, cleaning, food preparation, or any other support task for the next few weeks, please fill out a volunteer application at https://berksarl.org/volunteer/ or email volunteer@berksarl.org if you are already an active volunteer.
Adopt: Thanks to Bissell Pet Foundation, all currently available adult dogs and cats are free to adopt through Tuesday, October 15th. Visit https://berksarl.org/pets/ to see who is available right now.
Donate: We know of at least one very thin senior pet who needs to be seen by our medical team the moment it arrives. These animals will need vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries, as well as the standard care of food, housing resources, etc. You can donate at https://berksarl.org/berksdonates/ or contact development@berksarl.org.
The investigation is still open.
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