Economy posing problems for pet shelters

VERO BEACH, FL - The bad economy is creating two problems for local animal shelters, homeless pets and overpopulation.

Someone dropped off two litters of puppies at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.

The pet owner told shelter workers that both of her female dogs got pregnant and gave birth in the same week.

The Humane Society stresses sterilization, but workers say people put off getting their animals fixed because of the cost.

With other pet owners having to turn over their animals because of the foreclosure crisis, shelters are filled to capacity.

The humane society tries to help keep pets with their owners.

"We're trying to do a lot of things in our community to help keep pets and people together," says Janet Wilikoff, Director of Education.  "For instance we do have a pet food bank for those people who need some extra assistance in caring for their animal."

Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach counties all have low cost sterilization programs.

Ask for more information at your county's Humane Society.