October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and officials with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) say they have plenty of four-legged friends available for adoption as the shelter is at maximum capacity.
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative granted MACC $4,000 to cover adoption fees during a “clear the shelter” event on Oct. 25 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and Oct. 26 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Community members can take home a furry companion on either of these days for free (normally a $0-$250) fee for Minneapolis residents). Adoptable cats and dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. While adoption fees are covered, licensing fees for cities of residence still apply.
Additionally, the Best Friends Society awarded $10,000 to MACC that will also be used to waive first-time impound fees (up to $85) for cats and dogs to reunite them with their owners – now through the end of the year.
“Often we see that these fees stand as barriers for people to pick up their pets that have been brought into our shelter,” said Madison Weissenborn, MACC volunteer and outreach coordinator. “We’re so appreciative of these two grants that give our community support to bring their beloved pets home. Opportunities like these mean more families get to experience the joys of pet ownership.”
Know the Minneapolis leash law; animal bites are on the rise
The joy of adoption doesn’t come without a warning about an increase of animal bites across the Twin Cities metro area. MACC reports that bites from dogs and cats primarily are projected to be up nearly 30 percent since this time last year. That’s nearly 600 bites in 2024 so far, as compared to 480 in all of 2023. Reasons vary, but MACC Director Tony Schendel says many of these bites happen when Minneapolis residents in particular don’t abide by the City’s leash ordinance, which requires owners to properly restrain dogs at all times. A first-time offense is a $75 fine. There is no leash law for cats in the city.
Schendel explained that animals are more likely to feel anxious or the need to protect their owners while out in public.
“Animals don’t have to display a long history of aggression to bite someone. It can happen very quickly and without much warning,” Schendel said. “Oftentimes animals react differently in an environment they aren’t familiar with, and we don’t want to place animals in a bad situation that could lead to an unfortunate outcome. My best advice is for people to keep their distance from animals they don’t know.”
Schendel says bites are getting more severe, affecting large areas of the face, arms and hands. Cat bites or scratches, while not considered as severe, could still lead to more infections. In the event of any bites, people are urged to call 911 for medical attention.
“We just want people to be aware that this is happening and take added precautions,” Schendel said.
To contact MACC, call 311 or direct at 612-673-3000.