Milwaukee animal shelter in crisis, caring for nearly 400 animals

An animal control crisis in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, or MADACC, is pleading for help. Since Sunday, it has taken in 117 dogs and 88 cats in a five-day span. The commission says there’s not enough space. “So ideally, those would be open to the cats. Would have a litter box side and a bad side. We’re so full that they only get one side. So you can see, like, you know, it’s not really ideal. This situation, right here. He’s got very little space,” said the director of community engagement, Kate Heartlund, as she walked 12 News through the overcrowded cat kennel.She says one of the reasons for overcrowding is the economy. People have to choose between paying rent and feeding their pets. A volunteer with MADACC says there’s another reason contributing to this issue.“There’s always moms with pups and moms with kittens. Sometimes, they have to double up in the kennels in the back, which is practical but unfortunate. Spay and neuter goes on all the time. Because a lot of people just don’t spay and neuter their puppies and kittens,” Heidi Feuling said.MADACC says it’s equipped to handle about 100 cats and 100 dogs but is currently caring for 260 dogs and 218 cats. It says the longer the animals are in an overcrowded shelter, the more detrimental.“But when we’re this crowded, it is stressful for the animals. It is stressful for the staff and the volunteers. Disease spreads faster. Behaviors decline faster when they’re in this type of environment,” Heartlund said.If you’re looking for an addition to your family, there are three things you can do. Join the waitlist.Look up adoptable pets like dogs and cats. Grab your phone go to MADACC’s website and view the pets available. MADACC has waived adoption fees for all cats five months and older.

MILWAUKEE —

An animal control crisis in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, or MADACC, is pleading for help.

Since Sunday, it has taken in 117 dogs and 88 cats in a five-day span. The commission says there’s not enough space.

“So ideally, those would be open to the cats. Would have a litter box side and a bad side. We’re so full that they only get one side. So you can see, like, you know, it’s not really ideal. This situation, right here. He’s got very little space,” said the director of community engagement, Kate Heartlund, as she walked 12 News through the overcrowded cat kennel.

She says one of the reasons for overcrowding is the economy. People have to choose between paying rent and feeding their pets. A volunteer with MADACC says there’s another reason contributing to this issue.

“There’s always moms with pups and moms with kittens. Sometimes, they have to double up in the kennels in the back, which is practical but unfortunate. Spay and neuter goes on all the time. Because a lot of people just don’t spay and neuter their puppies and kittens,” Heidi Feuling said.

MADACC says it’s equipped to handle about 100 cats and 100 dogs but is currently caring for 260 dogs and 218 cats. It says the longer the animals are in an overcrowded shelter, the more detrimental.

“But when we’re this crowded, it is stressful for the animals. It is stressful for the staff and the volunteers. Disease spreads faster. Behaviors decline faster when they’re in this type of environment,” Heartlund said.

If you’re looking for an addition to your family, there are three things you can do.