Louisville Metro Animal Services now euthanizing animals due to overcrowding

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) has begun euthanizing animals due to lack of space.

Teeya Barnes, a spokeswoman for the agency, confirmed the news to WDRB by phone Friday morning.

LMAS has been stepping up adoption efforts in recent months after revealing that its "no-kill" status was in jeopardy due to overcrowding.

"This is not a problem that's gonna go away," Ashley Book, interim LMAS director, said back in October. "It's not even a problem that we're gonna be able to adopt or foster our way out of. We need people to spay and neuter their pets, microchip their pets and when they do come to the shelter, we can get them right home to you."

On Tuesday, two dogs had to be euthanized due to time and space.

The dogs weren't adoptable but under normal circumstances, would've been placed into behavioral programs to try to change their status.

"We love these animals, when they come in just like our own and take care of them and then we end up having to euthanize for time and space has just been - it's devastating," Book said.

Although people are coming in to adopt, there have been record-breaking intakes, including 62 dogs during the first five days of January. Brook says they're coming in faster than they're coming out.

LMAS has done several empty the shelter events over the last several months and continues to waive redemption fees to pick up lost pets. They're doing everything possible while hoping the public will step up, so they can avoid more euthanizas.

"We are begging people to please come in, reclaim your pet," Brook said. "Adopt, if you can. Foster, if you can."

Several staff members at LMAS foster and say it's a great way to let an animal show their true character.

"They feel like they're more comfortable, they're not listening to dogs barking all day long. They get to show you how normal they can be in a home," LMAS staff member Jade McLean said.

McLean and others at LMAS say they get all types of personalities and make a point to match people who are fostering with dogs who are right for their home.

"I hope they're inspired to step forward and open their homes if they're able to because every kennel that's freed, another dog comes in, another cat comes in," LMAS staff member Kayla Krigger said. "It's a blessing to be apart of."

LMAS fears if things don't significantly change, more dogs will be euthanized. The shelter is urging people to help in whatever way they can.

To find out more information on how to adopt or foster, click here.

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