MUSCATINE, Iowa — The Muscatine Humane Society is filled beyond capacity.

“We are overflowing and have animals in the isolation room, surgery room, lost-and-found kennel … just everywhere,”  said Chris McGinnis, director of the Nancy E. Kent Animal Shelter.

McGinnis said the shelter normally takes in more animals during the summer, but the depressed economy and other factors have forced even more people to leave their pets behind.

Summer brings in the largest populations because cats and litters of kittens fill the feline confines. Newborn kittens must be eight-10 weeks old before they can be adopted. Since April 1, 170 kittens have been brought to the shelter.

Other factors figuring into the increase include the lockout at GPC — where about 360 employees have been out of work since last year while they negotiate a contract dispute since — and the June 2008 flood.

“Believe it or not, we are still seeing the effects of last year’s flood because people have had to change housing,” McGinnis said. Many displaced flood victims and people who have lost their jobs tell her stories of having to give up their beloved pets because they need to move in to an apartment where pets aren’t allowed.

McGinnis said she has seen an increase in large-breed dogs because people who own rental properties often allow only small pets.

“We have a lot of dogs being brought in lately due to financial               reasons,” McGinnis said.

On Tuesday the shelter was packed with 96 cats, 69 dogs and two birds. Capacity is 85-100 animals but McGinnis has had more than 200 animals in the shelter at one time. The Muscatine Humane Society rescues an average of 2,000 animals per year and accepts all animals. There is an average of 850 adoptions per year.

The crisis is not unique to Muscatine. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, many shelters across the nation saw up to a 60 percent increase in the number of pets dropped off in 2008. Shelters are burdened further because adoptions are rarer during a recession and donations go down as well.

McGinnis said she’s heard many stories of how the economic crisis affects families’ ability to care for

their pets.

One such case happened Tuesday when a couple locked out of GPC brought their 18-year-old cat to McGinnis to be euthanized. The cat had cancer and the family’s veterinarian wanted $120 to put the cat down and take care of the body. Though the Humane Society is not in the business of euthanizing pets for the public, McGinnis made an exception given the circumstances.

“We are here to assist the public in any way we can, but most of all to be humane to animals,” McGinnis said.

You Can Help

     In June, a Whine, Whiskers and Paws fundraiser was held to raise money for an awning over the outdoor kennels at the Muscatine Humane Society. Approximately $14,500 was raised during the event and the awning construction will cost $15,800.

Chris McGinnis said fundraisers like this help make the animals more comfortable, but that money is always needed to pay for medications, X-rays and other expenses. Donations are accepted anytime at the Muscatine Humane Society, 920 S. Houser St., Muscatine.

     The shelter also needs donations of the following: cat litter, canned cat food (no fish), laundry soap, 33 gallon trash bags, pet toys, hamster or rabbit food, paper towels and dry dog food.

The public can volunteer to walk dogs or play with cats. Volunteers must participate in an informational/training session. For more information, call              563-263-7358.