Animal control officer having ‘ruff’ time finding shelters

Pulaski County Animal control officer John Kleinofen is having a tough time finding places to take stray animals and it doesn’t appear to be getting any easier.

Kleinofen has responded to a number of calls regarding stray animals. It has been so overwhelming that some strays are currently being housed on private property of Pulaski County residents.

Kleinofen said there are times when he has to call the shelters to ensure they have space for the animal or he can’t help the county residents that have called him.

He does not euthanize animals and he said it’s not part of his job description. The animal control officer position is part time and Kleinofen is doing his best to keep his hours low while serving the community.

“From what I’m told by people who have more knowledge than me is that about 50 percent of the animals that we have contact with are adopted and the rest are not.”

A majority of the animals from Pulaski County are transported to the Starke County Humane Society. Those that can be adopted are taken to the Pulaski Animal Center when room is available.

Kleinofen said the humane society is currently overflowing with animals. The overpopulation of the pets, “is not only a Pulaski County problem. It is a statewide problem from what I am told.”

Some of the dogs Kleinofen is coming into contact with are dumped. If there is a dog that strays from their home or the dog is tagged, Kleinofen will do his best to reunite the owner with their pet.

“If they have a tag or any identification on them, I take them home, no matter the circumstances,” Kleinofen said.

To reduce the number of dogs and cats in the community, Kleinofen is an advocate of spaying and neutering. He also said, not only are rabies vaccinations the law, but it can be a way to help identify an animal.

If a person wants to house a dog or cat for a short period of time, they should contact the local shelters.

Pulaski County Journal

114 W. Main Street
Winamac, IN 46996

(574) 946-6628
 

Comment Here