Humane Society: Animal Surrenders, Abuse Case Spike During Holiday Season

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The holidays can be a tough time for families who are trying to make ends meet, and sometimes their pets pay the price.

Officials with the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society say animal surrenders seem to spike around the holiday season.

"When people are spending a lot of money on gifts and holiday decor and expenses, sometimes animals take a back seat," says Kristen Lane, of the Humane Society.

It's not just surrenders that spike during the holidays.

Officials say cases of animal abuse – from people leaving their pets outside in the cold, to not feeding them – increase as well.

At the Humane Society, there's a program to help struggling pet owners.

People who qualify can take advantage of a pet food bank.

And if that's not enough, Lane says, "In worst case scenarios, if someone cannot take care of their dog, they can feel confident in that if they surrender them here to the Western Pa. Humane Society, our dogs never have a time limit. We keep them here until we can rehome them and find their forever home."

Visit the Western Pa. Humane Society's website here.

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