By KATHERINE ROSENBERG, Editor

LUCERNE VALLEY — In light of the recent overcrowding situation at a local shelter, the area Humane Society is again asking residents for help, and to stop using the shelter as a location to drop off animals, as it is still full.

According to AutumnRose Saenz of the PAL Human Society in Apple Valley, there is continuing fallout from the overcrowding situation at a Lucerne Valley-based nonprofit animal shelter. On their first visit two months ago, workers estimated there were 105 dogs at the property, but they later found more than 140 dogs at the shelter, which had fallen into disrepair.

But just over a week ago two dogs were left tied to a fence outside the property, with horrible-looking cases of mange, according to the group.

“This is how part of the problem starts. People abandon their animals at the rescue group, hoping they will be found and not eaten by coyotes first. We initially thought they had chemicals burns, but after we got them to a vet we discovered it was mange, which is easier to treat than a chemical burn. People just need to realize that two abandoned dogs a week can quickly add up to the overwhelming number this group is facing right now,” Humane Officer Jamie Troester said.

And, after 40 years of operation, the facility is still not to the standard it should be, despite donations from Mitsubishi Cement and Hi-Grade Materials.

According to Kathi Schlintz, Founder and President of PAL Humane Society, “the problem starts with one or two extra animals and if you don’t get them spayed or neutered right away, you end up with more than you have room for. As it stands we have brought in over 30 puppies and kittens, with many more to come. There are currently eight visibly pregnant females on the property, with over 40 more females that need to be fixed.”

As a result of taking in so many animals from the Lucerne Valley shelter, the Humane Society is now overwhelmed also, and looking for donations, or adoptive families.

“Just on the animals that we have taken in, we have spent over $3,300 on medial costs and have only received $500 of donations from the public. To spay and neuter these animals alone will cost us well over $1,000,” Officer Troester said.

She added, “the animals you are saving will get a fresh start at life and finally know what it’s like to find a loving family to give them their forever home.”

If you are interested in fostering or adopting any of these animals, please contact the adoption coordinator, Gina, at 240-6848 or e-mail her at gina@palhumanesociety.org, to find out which animals are currently available.

Despite the donations by Mitsubishi Cement and Hi-Grade Materials, the Humane Society has no way of picking up the donated materials, and are also looking for anyone with a truck to pick up the items.