A South Florida pet shelter has been closed to the public for several years. However, more than 100 dogs are in cages outside the center, which has outraged animal advocates.
The shelter, which belongs to Miami-Dade County, closed its doors in 2016 after the construction of the Pet Protection and Adoption Center in Doral. The $15 million, 70,000-square-foot shelter opened to accommodate the city’s growing number of homeless pets.
Currently the number of pets for adoption has reached such a high peak that Miami-Dade does not have the space to house so many pets and is facing an overpopulation crisis.
That’s why the county says they now have to house 128 pets at the old Medley shelter.
According to Miami-Dade Animal Services, the Medley shelter currently houses dogs that need to be quarantined for medical reasons, are undergoing medical treatment or have behavioral problems, as well as other pets as needed.
Facebook petitions posted by several people urged Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to take action, alleging that pets suffer alone at the center, without visits from potential adopters or volunteers to care for them.
In a statement, Miami-Dade Animal Services clarified that “specialized personnel are assigned to care for these pets by feeding, walking, and sanitizing their cage space” and that an “enrichment team visits the Medley facility twice a week to provide enrichment to the animals, in addition to the toys and treats that are given to them in their cage.”
Animal advocates also worry about high temperatures, as the dogs are housed outside.
In response, Miami-Dade Animal Services said the Medley facility is well ventilated with fans to keep the dogs comfortable. They also stated that pets have access to clean water to ensure they are hydrated.
High temperatures in South Florida have topped 100 degrees this summer with most of the state under excessive heat advisories.
With over 600 pets, mostly large dogs, seeking adoptive families, it can be difficult for pets to get the attention of an adopter.
Since the Medley shelter is not open to the public, advocates and rescue owners fear that no one will adopt the 128 pets.
In its statement, Miami-Dade Animal Services said pets at the Medley shelter “are rotated and transported to downtown Doral, satellite adoption centers throughout the county, and participate in mobile pet adoption events as appropriate.”
These pets are also available for adoption and are featured on the site www.24petconnect.com.
In addition, photos of these pets are available at the Doral adoption center so prospective adopters can see, meet and greet them if requested.
“We appreciate the continued support of the community and encourage everyone to open their hearts and homes to a shelter pet by fostering or adopting it,” Miami-Dade Animal Services added in its statement.
