Imperial County Humane Society overwhelmed as animal intake rises
Adrik Vargas
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Humane Society of Imperial County is struggling to keep up with a growing number of animals in need, leaving staff stretched thin and cages stacked high.
The shelter says it is over capacity, caring for more animals than it has space or resources to support. Staff stress that community support through adoptions, spay and neuter programs, and donations is essential to continuing their no-kill mission.
“People want designer dogs for the bragging rights, but there are animals in the shelters that need homes,” said shelter director Devon Apodaca. “If people don’t step up, they’re going to lose their lives.”
Apodaca says the shelter takes in 20 to 30 animals a week from animal control alone, and resources across the county are limited.
“A lot of people don’t have access to veterinary care for their pets. Imperial County has one vet, and that veterinarian is overwhelmed. It’s very difficult to get an appointment,” he said.
The Humane Society emphasizes that every adoption helps save two lives, the animal that goes home and the one that can take its place at the shelter.
“For the shelter, every life saved counts, and we need the community to help,” Apodaca said.