The Pretty Pittie Committee

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Please read and understand ‼️‼️

There is a conversation that communities across America need to have regarding municipal and county animal shelters.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that animal shelters have unlimited space and can accept every animal brought to their doors. Unfortunately, that is not reality. Most government-operated shelters have limited kennel space, limited staffing, and limited funding. When shelters reach capacity, difficult decisions must be made while still operating within state laws, local ordinances, and available resources.

Another important fact is that animals are considered personal property under the law. Pet ownership comes with responsibilities that cannot simply be transferred to a government agency whenever challenges arise. Providing food, shelter, veterinary care, training, and proper containment are all responsibilities of pet ownership.

There is also a common expectation that every animal entering a shelter should immediately receive extensive medical treatment. While every shelter wants the best possible outcome for animals, the reality is that medical care comes with significant costs. In many government-run shelters, the majority of funding is allocated toward daily operations, staffing, facility maintenance, equipment, and basic animal care. Extensive veterinary treatment often requires resources that are simply not available within municipal budgets.

The truth is that shelters cannot solve the animal overpopulation crisis alone. The community must be part of the solution. Spaying and neutering pets is one of the most effective ways to reduce unwanted litters and decrease the number of animals entering shelters. Responsible pet ownership includes planning for the financial obligations that come with owning an animal and being committed to that pet for its entire life.

It is unfair to place the entire burden of animal overpopulation on shelters. Government-run shelters were never designed to be warehouses where animals spend the rest of their lives. No person would want to live indefinitely in a confined environment, and animals deserve better as well. Our goal should always be to reunite lost pets with their owners, promote responsible ownership, increase adoptions, support rescue partnerships, and prevent animals from entering the shelter system in the first place.

The reality is that solving animal welfare issues requires a partnership between shelters, rescue organizations, veterinarians, elected officials, and the public. Until we have an honest conversation about these challenges, we will continue treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes.

It is time for a real, adult conversation about animal welfare. The solution begins with all of us.

Andrew Stubbs, Animal Resources Manager

Little mc scruff is available for adoption!!

🐾 **ADOPTABLE TODAY – Meet Weston!** 🐾

Weston will be available for adoption **tomorrow** at the **City of Prichard Animal Shelter!**

This handsome 7-month-old pup was sadly abandoned at our Central Fire Station on **July 1, 2026**, but now he's ready for a fresh start with a loving family.

Weston is full of energy, loves to play, and is looking for an active home where he can thrive!

💙 **Adoption Fee: $90.00**

Your adoption fee includes:
✔️ Neuter surgery
✔️ Age-appropriate vaccinations
✔️ Rabies vaccination
✔️ Flea prevention
✔️ Deworming
✔️ Heartworm test (Weston is **heartworm negative**)
✔️ Microchip

📍 **City of Prichard Animal Shelter**
2402 Rebel Road
Prichard, AL 36610
(Located off Patricia Avenue)

🕘 **Shelter Hours:**
Monday–Friday
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🚨 **PLEASE READ BEFORE VISITING:** 🚨
• We **DO NOT** place holds on available adoptable animals.
• We **DO NOT** accept deposits.
• **All adoptions are completed in person at the shelter.**
• Adoptions are processed on a **first-come, first-served basis.**

If you've been looking for a fun, energetic companion, Weston could be the perfect addition to your family. Come meet him tomorrow and give him the second chance he deserves! 🐶❤️