Charlotte’s animal shelter forced to euthanize due to ongoing capacity issues

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s animal shelter is putting out an urgent call for help. There are simply too many dogs there and sadly, hundreds have already had to be euthanized.

If you take a walk around Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care and Control, you’ll see plenty of dogs and every kennel full.

“It feels like a little bit of a sinking ship,” said Melissa Knicely, who works at the shelter.

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Knicely told Channel 9′s Hunter Sáenz these are some of the most desperate times they’ve seen.

“It’s the most intake in the past five years,” she said. “CMPD Animal Care and Control says they are already at capacity with more than 300 dogs.”

With no room left, it means hard decisions are being made. So far this year, more than 600 animals have been euthanized -- a vast majority due to capacity issues.

The animals’ health and behavior are the biggest factors in deciding whether to euthanize. It’s why fostering and adoption is key to reducing shelter capacity and saving lives.

“If you can take one, that’s going to save the life of that animal, but it’s also going to offer up that space that it’s taking here to the next one coming in,” Knicely said.

The shelter is also starting a new pilot program. They’re teaming up with GoodPup to offer four free weeks of virtual, private dog training to anyone who adopts.

“Anything and everything that you have a problem with then we have this tool in our toolbox to help you with,” Knicely said.

It’s an effort to get the pups out of kennels and into homes before it’s too late.

CMPD Animal Care and Control is undergoing renovations but that does not include building more space or kennels. It’s why they really need help with foster care and adoption. Learn more here.

(WATCH RELATED: Full capacity at Charlotte animal shelter highlights need for fostering and adoption)

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