Dropping Off Unwanted Animals to Humane Societies Outside of Business Hours is Illegal!

Yesterday, the Warrick Humane Society posted the below photo to Facebook.

There are so many reasons why you should WAIT until a humane society is open to surrender your animal.

• First up, it is ILLEGAL. You can be prosecuted if you leave an animal anywhere without a plan for its care.
• The animal is without food or water for an unknown amount of time.
• The animal could be left in hot or cold temperatures for an unknown amount of time. Lindsey told me that a couple of weeks ago someone put a dog in a carrier next to all the other carriers outside. They didn't notice the dog until 1 PM that day. It could have easily died in the conditions.
• The staff does not know if the animal is a stray or an unwanted pet. If the animal has health issues, they need to know. Likewise, if it's healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, they need to know that too so they aren't double vaccinated.
• As in the case above, an animal can escape and face serious danger.
• Finally, leaving an animal in a box for an unknown amount of time is cruel.

Now, many will argue that dropping off an unwanted animal is better than killing it or letting it go in a remote area. But, come on, be a good human. Treat other living creatures with care. The humane society staff is there to help find homes for animals. They want to help and they care about the well-being of these pets. Wait until the humane society is open so they aren't put in any danger.

The WHS is open from 12-4 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as, 12-7 PM on Thursdays. Lindsey also told me that someone is always at the shelter from 8-4 PM daily if you can't stop in during the shelter hours.