A tough economy turns rough on pets

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - When the Clark County Humane Society received an extra shipment of pet food, they decided to reach out and help a community in need as residents who are losing jobs and homes are forced to abandon pets.

"It's kind of crazy. We've been getting all dogs," said shelter coordinator Krissi Hawke. "Not just stray dogs coming in anymore. It's owner release after owner release after owner release. Pure bred dogs, beautiful dogs. It's just tears pouring all the time."

It's been a full house as dozens of people lined up for pet food this week. The food was free, but you had to show proof of unemployment or welfare.

"Right now times are hard," said Allison Smith who was in line for free pet food. "We've got three kids. It's hard to feed all of them. This helps to feed the animals."

The extra shipment of food that came in was dated and officials wanted to dispose of it quickly.

'Its been pretty frantic since we opened," said Hawke. "I didn't expect it to be that big of deal, but I guess there's a lot of people that need help out there."

Email Sonu Wasu