The Humane Society of Columbiana County says it, and other shelters, are dealing with an influx of dogs with severe medical problems in the first quarter of 2010; the result of people using dogs not as pets but as commodities-- bred and sold to make a quick buck as unemployment levels soar.
"Building bigger shelters really isn't the answer. We're going to have to do it, but we've got to do something at the other end. We have to do something at the supply side," said Jenny Pike, President of the Humane Society of Columbiana County.
The problem is-- breeding unhealthy dogs passes serious medical issues from generation to generation.
"A lot of skin issues due to an infection that was now going outward of his body, instead of inward, just due to non-treatment," said Heather Jurina, Humane Society of Columbiana County Shelter Manager.
Humane agents are investigating several cases of puppies dying days or weeks after being sold to people who think they're bringing home a new furry friend for their family.
"That's devastating to the new owners. They have a new baby in their home and after nine months it dies," said Jan Palmer, Columbiana County Humane Agent.
The people who run these puppy mills could face animal cruelty charges in some cases, but the practice of breeding dogs in your own backyard for profit is not illegal. That's something humane agents and lawmakers alike hope to change.
The Animal Cruelty Task Force of Columbiana County works to educate the public about these practices, and push state leaders to advance legislation such as McKenzie's Law and the Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions.
"Have these breeders be held accountable, hopefully have inspections, and reduce the amount of numbers," says Jurina.
Of course, the best way to drive away pet overpopulation, have your animals spayed or neutered.
Pike said, "Look, we're not animal wackos. We just again care about the quality of life in Columbiana County."
