9 puppies born at Carbon shelter

The Carbon County Animal Shelter welcomes all dogs, but is raising awareness on a growing local epidemic.

“We have so many dogs running around, and they’re not spayed or neutered,” Tom Connors, director of the Carbon County Animal Shelter said.

“This is an epidemic across Carbon County. A lot of people don’t really understand it.”

Connors’ plea comes after two litters were born on Dec. 28. The mothers, Pumpkin and Snuggles, were strays in Kidder Township and were brought to the shelter a month ago.

Then, two weeks before delivery, Connors and other volunteers noticed the females were getting larger. That is when they learned about the pregnancies.

It’s not uncommon for expecting dogs to come to the shelter, but this occasion is the first in eight years for the shelter.

“A puppy born in a shelter is like a baby born in a prison. Here, we do everything for them, but some instances don’t give them the proper chance at life,” Connors said.

The puppies, six males and three females, will be ready for adoption in seven weeks. Pumpkin and Snuggles need homes too.

“Of course we want the puppies adopted, but we really want the mothers to get placed in good homes too. In shelters, mothers often get overlooked,” Connors said.

Currently, the shelter is taking names of those interested in adoption. In four weeks, they can visit the puppies.

All potential owners must sign an agreement acknowledging when the puppies reach the appropriate age, they will be spayed and neutered.

“We have enough puppies in the world right now. Get your dog spayed and neutered,” he said.

The Carbon County Animal Shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information call 570-325-4828.