Like most things in this country animal shelters are feeling the current economic crunch. Last week I brought you the disturbing story of how shelters that pass out free food have seen an alarming surge in pet owners looking to help feed their pets. This week comes news that one Arkansas city has abandoned it’s entire animal shelter program due to the lack of resourses. Says the mayor of Helena “They are better off free. Pardon the pun, but it was just something that was dogging us. So it would be easier for us until we get a facility and have a plan that we just not be in the animal shelter business”

What exactly is the city doing with animals they pick up after somebody has complained? Amazingly they simply drive to the other side of town and drop the animals off at the edge of the near by St. Francis National Forest. Despite the fact that this is completely illegal, the city feels that until an estimated $70,000 is raised so that a new program (including building) can be put into place this is their only avenue for handling unwanted pets.

As for efforts to control the city’s pet problem, officials are looking into strengthening leash laws and charging a larger fine to owners who refuse to keep up with their animals. “We have a leash law that we've been trying to work our way into enforcing. It's been so lax. People are not buying leashes or tags for the animals. We could literally pick up every other dog in the city” said the Mayor.