URGENT: Pike Co. Animal Shelter Needs Your Help to Continue

The Pike Animal Welfare Shelter is on the verge of shutting down, facing financial difficulties and a slowdown in adoptions. Here's how you can help.

READ MORE: How a Cat Named 'Peaches' Won Our Hearts and Our Home

Petersburg, Indiana, was my home for many years, which is why it breaks my heart to see that the local animal shelter may soon be shutting down forever. Shelter officials have been open about their struggles on social media and are asking the community for help so they can continue their mission. The shelter reports that they are not only looking for monetary support, but, more importantly, homes for the animals currently housed in the facility.

The Pike Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS) is a no-kill animal shelter in the heart of Pike County, and it's currently the only animal rescue mission in that area. Officials from the shelter told 14 News they currently have about 39 dogs and 20 cats awaiting adoption. Additionally, the shelter said they have nearly double the number of animals it is designed to hold, which has, in turn, doubled the amount of vet and maintenance bills at the facility.

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"We care for these animals day in and day out. We hear their cries and show them love when they can’t stop shaking from fear. We help them give birth and hold and comfort them when they are dying. We have rescued many of our animals from neglectful situations and saved some from starvation. Now, they stay in a cage and stare at the same four walls for 20 hours a day. They deserve better," the shelter posted to Facebook.

In the midst of these difficult times, the shelter has lowered adoption fees for both dogs and cats until further notice. The cost is now just $20 for dogs and $5 for cats. The shelter is located at 4224 N Meridian Rd in Petersburg and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the shelter is open from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you would like to donate, you can drop off your donations during business hours or send money through Venmo to @Petersburg_PAWS.