A shelter in Lackawanna County is stretching its resources after a recent surge of emaciated and uncared-for animals.
SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — It’s been a tough week at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter near Clarks Summit.
“Five dogs total that came in within a week span of emaciated dogs that came in, um, and Luke was one of those, and he, he unfortunately, um, ended up with pneumonia and passed away. And then we had Bobby, the puppy who came in from an accidental litter, and that puppy also ended up getting sick and passing away,” said Development Director Sherry Crolly.
She says the loss of any animal is hard, even more so when thousands of dollars are spent on medical bills and treatment to try and give them a fighting chance.
“We have a veterinarian on staff here. He does his best. If he’s not here, then all of those animals have to go to an emergency vet, and sometimes that’s two hours away,” said Crolly.
In recent years, Crolly says the number of abandoned and turned-over animals has only grown, making more bills for a primarily volunteer shelter that relies heavily on donations.
“Our funding comes from our supporters, fundraising, some grants,” said Crolly. “There’s not a lot of grants in animal welfare, and all the rescues and shelters are competing for those same grants nationwide.”
Staff says they are grateful for any donations that come in and that they are committed to helping as many animals as possible.
But to avoid stories like the ones told at the shelter in recent weeks, staff say they’re just a phone call away.
“These are living beings and animals, and don’t dump them,” said Crolly. “You know, if you need resources, give us a call.”
The Scranton Police Department’s animal control is investigating what led to one of the dogs being brought to the shelter.