Officials with Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) say they have plenty of four-legged friends available for adoption as the shelter is at maximum capacity
The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative granted MACC $4,000 to cover adoption fees during a “clear the shelter” event on Oct. 25 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and Oct. 26 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Community members can take home a furry companion on either of these days for free (normally a $0-$250 fee for Minneapolis residents). Adoptable cats and dogs are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. While adoption fees are covered, licensing fees for cities of residence still apply.
Additionally, the Best Friends Society awarded $10,000 to MACC that will also be used to waive first-time impound fees (up to $85) for cats and dogs to reunite them with their owners – now through the end of the year.
Know the Minneapolis Leash Law; animal bites on the rise
The joy of adoption doesn’t come without a warning about an increase of animal bites across the Twin Cities metro area. MACC reports that bites from dogs and cats primarily are projected to be up nearly 30 percent since this time last year. That’s nearly 600 bites in 2024 so far, as compared to 480 in all of 2023. Reasons vary, but MACC Director Tony Schendel says many of these bites happen when Minneapolis residents don’t abide by the City’s leash ordinance, which requires owners to properly restrain dogs at all times. A first-time offense is a $75 fine. There is no leash law for cats in the city.
Shendel says, “Animals are more likely to feel anxious or the need to protect their owners while out in public. Animals don’t have to display a long history of aggression to bite someone. It can happen very quickly and without much warning. Oftentimes animals react differently in an environment they aren’t familiar with, and we don’t want to place animals in a bad situation that could lead to an unfortunate outcome. Keep your distance from animals you don’t know.”
Schendel says bites are getting more severe, affecting large areas of the face, arms and hands. Cat bites or scratches, while not considered as severe, could still lead to more infections. In the event of any bites, people are urged to call 911 for medical attention.
To contact MACC, call 311 or direct at 612-673-3000.