Months after the Midlands Humane Society (MHS) reached 100% kennel capacity, the Council Bluffs animal shelter is confronting a new strain: the rising cost of living. Development and event manager Mariah Garcia says the shelter is seeing animals stay longer as owners struggle to afford basic expenses.
Cost‑of‑living pressures keep pets longer in shelter
“We are seeing a lot more of the reason being the cost of living. Life is tough right now for a lot of people,” Garcia told local reporters. “Where we are running into hardships ourselves is that the animals are staying here longer than they used to.”
The shelter’s capacity issues first emerged in September when a Council Bluffs ban on pit bulls contributed to a surge in intake. Now, financial hardship is the dominant factor, affecting both dogs and cats. “Dogs are our main priority right now, but we always have cats coming out our ears,” Garcia added.
City officials urge community assistance
Councilmember Cole Button echoed the shelter’s concerns, noting that many families face impossible choices. “A lot of people cannot afford to keep their pets. They have to choose between their children and their pets, unfortunately,” he said. Button stressed that the shelter needs immediate community support, stating, “Midlands is in desperate need of help. They need our community to come out and support.”
How residents can help
MHS urges locals to adopt or foster animals as the most effective way to relieve the backlog. For those unable to take a pet home, the shelter welcomes volunteers and donations. “We want to be able to continue helping people in need, and we just want our community to know that we also need help,” Garcia said.
Residents can contact the Midlands Humane Society directly to learn about volunteer opportunities, donation drives, or upcoming adoption events. By rallying together, Council Bluffs citizens can ensure that the shelter remains a safe haven for animals in need, even as economic pressures persist.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
