Press Releases

Friday, January 30, 2009
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

Poor Economy Forces Families to Surrender Injured Puppies

MILWAUKEE – You don’t have to look any further than the ICU at the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) for signs of a distressed economy. Just this week, three puppies with broken legs were surrendered to the shelter because the families couldn’t afford proper veterinary care. As the economy worsens, WHS officials expect to see more cases of surrenders due to financial woes.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has seen a nearly 20% increase in surrenders since September. Many clients have reported losing jobs and even homes. Several of the surrendered animals have had injuries that families could not afford to treat.

Among the new patients are Rose, a 3-month-old Miniature Pinscher; Valentino, a 3-month-old Rottweiler; and Cupid, a 4-month-old Pomeranian. Tragically, Cupid has two broken legs, the painful result of a bad fall. The three pups join two other dogs, Panini and Prince, who are also in treatment with fractured legs. It will cost the shelter thousands of dollars to treat them.

Although WHS does provide extensive medical services, the dogs may need to be sent to a specialist for more comprehensive care, greatly increasing the cost to restore the use of the dogs’ legs.

The Wisconsin Humane Society receives no government funding and relies entirely upon donations to fund all their programs, including veterinary treatment for animals such as Rose, Valentino and Cupid. If you’d like to contribute a donation to help these puppies, log on to wihumane.org or stop by 4500 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee.

Although it will be several weeks before any of these dogs are available for adoption, you can see all available animals at wihumane.org or call 414-ANIMALS for adoption information.

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Interview/Photo Opportunity: Rose, Valentino and Cupid are available for photos and filming at the Wisconsin Humane Society on Friday, January 30; a WHS Representative will be available for interviews. To schedule an interview between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., contact Angela Speed at (414) 431-6104.