HAMDEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Animal shelters are filled with surrendered and abandoned dogs.
Hampden’s animal rescue work is no exception.
“Years ago, our focus was on housing stray animals and, you know, animals that were facing some kind of illness or abuse,” said Shannon Duffy, adoption coordinator.
She says she is currently receiving an overwhelming number of requests to surrender.
“We have individuals who are looking to rent, but blanket pet policies make it very difficult to own a pet for a specific breed or in general. High pet insurance premiums “Some people are facing this,” says Caitlin Duffy, cancellation coordinator.
In some cases, people love pets and want to keep them, but homeowners’ hands are tied due to financial reasons such as pet deposits and monthly costs.
“About 75% of the emails we receive every day are from people who own pets and want to rehome them, and probably about 50% are from people who have housing issues. ,” Caitlin said.
Shannon and Caitlin Duffy say there’s a way to change this heartbreaking cycle for homeowners and their pets.
In the coming months, the sisters will work with other advocates to begin a dialogue with lawmakers.
“I’m hopeful that Connecticut can follow the example of other states,” Shannon said. “They have enacted several laws that prohibit completely comprehensive pet policies that do not allow pets and have specific housing, or have policies that are specific to certain breeds. I would also like to see caps placed on contracts and pet fees.”
Marcia Ondek, the dog’s owner, is impressed by the Duffy family’s efforts. She finds her rescuer, Lindy, stranded alone in a cemetery.
“Maybe someone abandoned it because they couldn’t keep it anymore? Did someone move into an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs?” she asked. “We don’t know how Lindy came to us.”
Until big changes happen, places like Where The Love Is rely on people like you to adopt and give love to animals in need.
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