The Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, is facing a critical strain on its resources following a recent surge in abandoned and neglected animals. The shelter, which primarily relies on donations and volunteers, has seen an increase in emaciated animals requiring extensive and costly medical care, leading to heartbreaking losses and a growing financial burden.
Sherry Crolly, Development Director at Griffin Pond, described the recent difficulties, detailing the loss of two dogs, Luke and Bobby, within a week. “Five dogs total that came in within a week span of emaciated dogs that came in, and Luke was one of those, and he, unfortunately, 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,” Crolly explained. The financial toll of attempting to save these animals is significant, with thousands of dollars spent on medical bills and treatment.
The shelter’s veterinarian provides on-site care, but in many cases, animals require emergency veterinary attention that necessitates a two-hour drive. This adds to both the cost and the stress on the animals. The increasing number of animals arriving at the shelter is exacerbating the financial challenges. Crolly noted, “In recent years, the number of abandoned and turned-over animals has only grown, making more bills for a primarily volunteer shelter that relies heavily on donations.”
Funding for Griffin Pond comes from a mix of supporter donations, fundraising efforts, and a limited number of grants. Crolly highlighted the competitive nature of grant funding in the animal welfare sector, stating, “There’s not a lot of grants in animal welfare, and all the rescues and shelters are competing for those same grants nationwide.” This competition makes securing consistent funding a constant struggle.
The situation at Griffin Pond reflects a broader trend of strain on animal shelters across the country. While the immediate crisis is local, the underlying issues – economic hardship, lack of access to affordable veterinary care, and insufficient spay/neuter programs – are national concerns. The shelter’s staff emphasizes their commitment to helping as many animals as possible, but they also stress the importance of preventing animals from being abandoned in the first place.
“These are living beings and animals, and don’t dump them,” Crolly pleaded. “You know, if you need resources, give us a call.” The shelter serves as a resource for individuals struggling to care for their animals, offering assistance and guidance to prevent abandonment.
The Scranton Police Department’s animal control unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding one of the dogs brought to the shelter, indicating a potential case of animal cruelty or neglect. This investigation underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for the welfare of animals in their care.
A separate report from , detailed a particularly horrific case of animal abuse in Lackawanna County, where dozens of animals were discovered living in filthy conditions, with some having starved to death and resorted to cannibalism. Marvin Frederick, 56, and Cindy Frederick, 59, were charged with 23 felony counts and numerous misdemeanors related to animal cruelty after abandoning the animals in their home, leaving them without food or water for an extended period. Griffin Pond Animal Shelter’s kennel manager, Nancy Reese, described the scene as “absolutely horrific,” emphasizing the desperation of the animals and the preventable nature of the situation, linking it to a lack of spay and neutering programs.
This case, and the current strain on Griffin Pond, highlight the interconnectedness of animal welfare issues. The lack of affordable spay/neuter services contributes to overpopulation, leading to more abandoned animals and increased pressure on shelters. Economic hardship can force owners to relinquish their pets, further exacerbating the problem. And, as the Frederick case demonstrates, intentional cruelty remains a significant threat to animal welfare.
The Griffin Pond Animal Shelter’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organizations. While the shelter remains committed to providing care for animals in need, its ability to do so depends on the continued support of the community. Donations, volunteer hours, and responsible pet ownership are all crucial components of ensuring the well-being of animals in Lackawanna County and beyond.
The shelter’s plea for responsible pet ownership – to seek help rather than abandon animals – is a message that resonates far beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. It’s a call for compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
