Today through Monday, the Humane Society of Richmond County is holding an adoption special on all spayed and neutered dogs and cats.

Dogs and cats can be adopted for just $25 during the next three days, plus an additional $6 fee for the rabies vaccine.

Between Monday and early Wednesday the shelter received 33 dogs, according to Director Candy Bacon.

“It’s totally expected. Whenever there’s a holiday or bad weather we get a lot of animals.”

The adoption special is one way Bacon can combat the overcrowding at the shelter, as well as a way to get more animals into homes before Christmas.

As a rule of thumb, many animal advocates do not recommend adopting animals right before Christmas, like on Christmas eve.

“A lot of folks like to adopt animals for gifts and it’s not a good thing to do,” Bacon said. “We understand how exciting it is, but when you bring a young animal or adult animal into the house it can be stressful on the family and the animal, especially if it’s been in the shelter for a while. There are gifts, toys, food laying around the house and that can lead to accidents. It’s just one of those things, so we think you should go ahead and introduce the animal now so it’s not so stressful come Christmas. If the house is decorated the last thing you want is a puppy chewing on them or peeing and pooping on the carpet.”

And while the shelter staff doesn’t encourage families to adopt animals as Christmas presents, Bacon said they will work with them.

November has been a busy month for the shelter with dozens of animals being dropped off every day.

Bacon said the toughest part of her job is when an animal comes in with no collar because there’s no way to get it back to it’s original owner unless they come in looking for them. And after several days, 90 to 95 percent of those animals have to be put down because there’s not enough room.

“As long as folks know they can let their animals run at large during the day with no consequences, animals will do what they do —indiscriminate breeding,” Bacon said.

And even though there’s a state statute that prohibits people from letting their animals run loose at night, it’s hard to enforce.

“And unfortunately the only containment measure we have is euthanasia and that’s not my best choice,” Bacon said. “These animals are domesticated and they depend on us. If an animals gets put to sleep, I’m not being mean, it’s not what I want to do, but I’m being responsible because that animal is no longer starving, being abused or neglected. We do our job with compassion.”

And while the number of animals dropped off at the shelter is still high, Bacon said things are improving.

“It’s so much better than it was, but it’s not perfect,” she said.

To take part in this weekend’s adoption special visit the shelter today from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m., Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and Monday from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Those adopting cats must bring a carrier to take it home in or purchase one at the shelter.

Bacon said before anyone leaves with their pet the staff will do their best to educate them and provide them with all the necessities.

“We’ll get you out the door properly,” Bacon said.

For questions or more information, contact the shelter at 895-0335.

n Staff writer Eren Tataragasi can be contacted at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or at etataragasi@yourdailyjournal.com.