Baltimore County Animal Services faces overcrowding after rescuing 101 animals in Essex

Overcrowding at Baltimore County Animal Services’ shelter rose sharply last week after the agency recovered 101 animals from a home in Essex.

“Concern for the health and welfare of the animals is the reason we brought them in,” county spokesperson Elyn Jones said.

County spokesperson Abby Isaacs described the conditions as “deplorable.”

Jones added that the shelter in Baldwin in northeast Baltimore County has a capacity of 150 but is currently caring for 277 animals while waiving adoption fees. The county also said in a news release that it is offering “low-cost” spay and neuter services.

“We’re in dire need of folks coming in,” Jones said. “Even if you’re not ready to permanently adopt, fostering to help us make room goes a long way.”

Jones said the animals recovered from Essex are not yet ready for adoption. Adoptable animals can be viewed on the shelter’s website. For more information, call 410-887-7297.

Jones said animal services is a division of county government.

“We need residents that are able to serve as fosters to come forth to house some of our animals. We are also encouraging anyone who is looking to add to their family through pet adoption to come in and see the animals we have available,” Carrie McCloskey, county chief of animal services, said in the news release.

In Baltimore City, the nonprofit Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter has also faced overcrowding recently following a recovery of over 300 animals in a week.