ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- St. Landry Parish Animal Control is dedicated to helping animals in need across the parish, but with the shelter reaching capacity, they're going to need help if that mission is to continue.
Lynn Borque, director of St. Landry Parish Animal Control, says with the shelter at maximum capacity, there are only able to take emergency calls until shelter space is cleared.
"The shelter is at capacity. We have over 135 animals that are looking for homes," said Borque.
While the shelter is receiving help from rescue groups such as the Bissell Foundation to ship animals to other states, Bourque says the overcrowding is an issue across the country.
"Unfortunately, all shelters are overcrowded, and that's not the solution. The solution is spaying and neutering, being responsible pet owners. As many as we can get out to rescue, more are waiting to come in," Borque explained.
With no end seeming to be in sight for the overcrowding, Borque calls on animal owners to be responsible and pleads to helping families to adopt or foster a friend in need.
"Irresponsible pet owners are letting their dogs have puppies and then abandoning those puppies in shelters or worse, on the side of the road. We do have to ask the community to step up and try to help us and rehoming pets if there's no place at the shelter," said Borque.
While there's currently no date for when the next group of dogs will be shipped out, the animal shelter is open and ready for anyone who would like to come adopt.