a day ago
Nowhere to take thousands of dogs roaming Memphis streets
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Contessia Humphrey went to Memphis Animal Services on Tuesday to drop off a sick puppy she found digging through a trash can in South Memphis, but ended up leaving the shelter with a second dog instead.
Humphrey said MAS wouldn't take the puppy, so she agreed to foster it. She said when she left the building, she was approached by a woman who had been trying to turn in a stray Labradoodle she also found in South Memphis, but was not having any luck inside.
'She was waiting on them, and it took them so long. She just finally said You know what, I'm just going to keep the dog,' said Humphrey. 'She said Ma'am, I can't keep this dog. Can you please take it?'
MAS tells WREG that they are currently accepting stray animals, but only dogs that are dangerous, sick, injured, or in immediate danger due to an ongoing distemper outbreak still active in the community.
MAS stated it's working closely with the University of Florida to manage the situation and find a long-term solution, but Humphrey said there are too many strays that need help right now.
Humphrey said she was asked to bring the sick puppy back to the shelter two days later when a veterinarian would be available. After Humphrey told them the puppy couldn't wait, she was sent to the Emergency Animal Hospital on Summer Avenue.
'So, I took the baby there and we were there like almost all night because they had a lot of animals. They had a lot of animal emergencies.' Humphrey said.
Last fall, MAS said the city's stray dog problem was overwhelming the animal shelter. At the time, Interim Director Mary Claire Borys said around 20,000 stray dogs were living on the streets of Memphis.
The same day Humphrey posted a picture of Daisy to the Lost and Found Dogs of Memphis, another person posted video of six puppies dumped on Boswell Avenue in East Memphis.
'I live in South Memphis, so many strays are in South Memphis,' said Humphrey.
MAS is still encouraging the public to report strays to 901-545-COPS. However, the shelter is also asking people who find strays to reach out to local rescue groups or the Humane Society.
The Real Good Dog Rescue said they receive numerous calls from people who have tried MAS and the Humane Society for help with a stray. The group said they are also getting more and more calls from dog owners who say they are moving and can't take their dog with them.
The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County said it is closed for any new intake appointments until the week of the 22nd.
The Humane Society recommends submitting a surrender request if a stray pet is found, but cannot guarantee if and when they will be able to accept that animal based on their current capacity for care.
To submit a surrender request, visit to look at the adoptable animals at MAS, click here.
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