'Every single kennel is filled': MADACC issues urgent plea for help, with shelter over capacity

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A plea to the public from MADACC, to volunteer, adopt and help. The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, which takes in Milwaukee County strays, is over capacity, and in a state of crisis.

"Every single kennel is filled. This is the worst we've seen it," said Kate Hartlund, MADACC community engagement and volunteer coordinator.

Right now, MADACC is sheltering nearly 600 cats and dogs. With every kennel occupied, many have been divided into two parts, sadly allowing these cuties just half the usual living space.

"I've always said that we will never euthanize for time or space, and I am deadly afraid that we are getting to that point. Because keeping animals in small cages and with this many animals in the shelter, is not good for them, it's not beneficial for them, and it's not healthy for them," said Hartlund.

So MADACC's taken their plea to social media, saying they're in a state of crisis.

Something that MADACC really needs right now are more volunteers, like Chelsea, to do things such as walk a dog, like Claudia.

"If you can make it one hour a week, I will take that one hour a week. If you can make it two hours a month, I will take it," said Hartlund.

"So you can look, but it's really, really important you don't put your fingers in, okay?" said MADACC volunteer Ann Woodward, to a group of people in the lobby.

These three ladies have watched the number of volunteers dwindle over the last few years.

"It's really easy. It's a lot easier than you think," said volunteer Dawn Shipley.

"I come in and I talk to all of my babies. I talk to them, ask them how they're doing," said volunteer Sue Albert.

"Look at that smile, look at that pitty smile," said Hartlund, to one of the dogs in their care.

In 2023, MADACC served 12,000 animals. They're on pace to far surpass that 12,000 mark, with the present number at 11,500. They need donations and help.

"You only see the ones that are available for adoption. The rest still need that care as well," said Woodward.

"You know, we are doing the best that we can with what we have, but we don't have enough," said Hartlund.