Overwhelmed by homeless dogs, Eastern Townships animal shelter seeks adoptive families

Since Quebec lifted its public health restrictions earlier this year, interest in adopting dogs has diminished leaving the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) in the Eastern Townships overwhelmed.

The SPA, located in Sherbrooke, Que.,is urging people in the regionto consider adopting or fostering dogs in the midst of declining interest.

There was a major uptick in dog adoptions during lockdowns at the height of the pandemic, said SPA spokesperson Alexane Bgin. She saida lot of people have since realized they no longerhave time to care for a dog. Many have brought the animals to shelters after theyresumed working away from home.

The SPA is making dowith its limited resources, Bgin said.

"We've even cleared out some employees' offices to make more room for them, but our space is overflowing," said Bgin."We really rely on foster families who can temporarily take dogs in."

The SPA has also been seeingan increasing number ofstray dogs. They sometimes show up in groups of two or three, and Bgin said the shelter's workers suspectmost haven't been on the street for very long.

With a decreasing number of demands for adoption, dogs are ending up spending longer periods of time at the shelter, which gives them less of a chance of "finding their family," Bgin said.

Those interested in getting a furry friend can fill out adoption applications on the SPA Estrie's website.