A surge in surrendered animals has the Winnipeg Humane Society in a bind this summer. The organization has implemented a temporary intake freeze due to an increase in the number of animals the organization is caring for. “We are still taking in critically sick and injured animals, but right now, we are at capacity,” said Carly Peters, director of communications and marketing with the Humane Society. Peters said in the last month of so, they have seen a lot of sick and injured animals come in, which has stretched their capacity within the shelter clinic. She said the Humane Society has also seen people surrendering their animals due to veterinarian costs and cost of living increases making pet food expensive. A lack of pet-friendly housing is also having an impact. “It’s just a perfect storm that has impacted not only us, but all the other shelters in the province as well,” Peters said. Peters said the Humane Society has a food bank program and other resources available for people who are struggling. “We’re really trying to ensure that surrendering is the very last option for people,” she said.
