CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Montgomery County Friends of the Shelter (MCFOTS) has discontinued its practice of removing dogs from Montgomery County Animal Care and Control and placing them up for adoption.
MCFOTS Director Jennifer Byard said the organization made the decision in order to find better ways to handle pet overpopulation in Montgomery County.
“We’re not fixing the problem. You can’t adopt your way out of the homeless pet population problem in Clarksville and Montgomery County,” Byard said. “You can help, but for every 10 we take in there are probably 40 or more that come in. There just aren’t enough places for them to go.”
Instead, MCFOTS will now focus on offering low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to qualifying low-income pet owners.
“Our main purpose will be to try and prevent pets from going to the shelter in the first place,” Byard said.
Those interested can contact MCFOTS at mcfots@gmail.com to request an application. MCFOTS will offer spay/neuter services for as little as $10 or $20 through potential grants, donations, and partnerships with local veterinarians.
“The citizens created the problem and the citizens have to have a part in fixing it,” Byard said. “If they had to spend a day down at Animal Control or actually watch their dog or cat being euthanized, it might change things.”
MCFOTS always accepts donations for their program, which includes food and supplies for shelters. Donations can be dropped off at 120 Kraft Street, and monetary donations can be made through PayPal on the MCFOTS website.