Animal shelter continues to tackle problem with strays

In a perfect world, people would be responsible pet owners. Pets would be spayed or neutered, and there would be very few – if any – unwanted dogs or cats. 

Philadelphia and Neshoba County aren’t the only areas affected by the problem of stray animals. In Philadelphia, however, the problem is growing to the point that the local shelter is running at or near capacity most of the time. 

Arthur Breakfield, who is the supervisor at the Philadelphia City Animal Shelter, says that the problem has become such an issue that the facility is going to have to start utilizing serious deterrents, possibly including tickets and a surrender fee, to stem the flow of unwanted animals. 

Breakfield and his assistant at the shelter have turned to social media hoping to get people to adopt pets. Breakfield says he’s also working to make local officials and the community aware of the problem. Currently, he’s in talks with the mayor and aldermen to work on both improving the shelter and handling the number of animals coming in. 

This addresses the problem in the city, but, in the county, there is no shelter. That’s where local rescuers give their time — and often their own money — to help the dozens of animals abandoned in the county. 

Polly Hall began her journey as a rescuer almost a decade ago. A stray dog came onto her property, and she found the dog a home. Hall was told that the dog would have a loving home, but she found out later the dog had been used as “bait” for dog fighting. She vowed that she would then do her very best to find truly good homes for strays. “I couldn’t sleep for months after that,” said Hall. 

She did a great deal on her own for years; eventually, though, she had to have help. Locals have donated money to help pay for the strays’ vet care. “Some have given way more than I expected,” she said. Hall eventually had three kennels on her property, but she knew she couldn’t keep them all. “I would be overwhelmed,” especially since she also works full-time. 

Hall regularly picked up dogs, took them to Northside Animal Clinic for vet care, and then arranged for them to go to rescues up north. “I still get pictures from families who have adopted these dogs,” she says. 

Hall is backing away lately, allowing fellow rescuers such as Jerry Ann Kirkland and Carla Norris to take the helm. Yet, she understands the plight at the local shelter, and she remains heartbroken about animals in the county. People still contact her each week regarding abandoned animals, and she continues to help. 

Norris says, “I could take you on a 30-minute ride through town right now, and I could show you 200 stray cats in the city limits alone.” 

Kirkland agreed, “People are just dumping animals. There’s no room at the shelters for them.” 

People who want to help the city shelter may make monetary donations, or they may purchase vaccinations. 

“We need 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 shots for dogs in the worst way,” said Breakfield. He also noted the shelter will need blankets for winter, and dog houses would be welcomed. 

Most importantly, though, both Breakfield and rescuers plead with anyone looking for a pet to consider adopting from the shelter.

The adoption fee is a nominal $10.00. Adopting is the best way to help the shelter and these precious animals, they said.

Contact the Philadelphia Animal Shelter at (601) 650-3587. The shelter is located at 205 Rea Street.