Windsor-Essex Humane Society dealing with surrendered pets with 'challenges' – Windsor Star

There hasn’t been any increase in animals surrendered to the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society lately — but there’s been a bit of a difference, nonetheless.

Melanie Coulter, executive director of WECHS, said she’s noticed a higher frequency of behavioural or medical issues in the pets being turned over to the shelter.

“We are getting a slightly more challenging population,” Coulter said on Wednesday.

For example: Angel, a three-year-old cat, who was surrendered to the Humane Society with an untreated long-term ear infection.

Coulter said Angel has been treated by the WECHS medical team and is now ready for adoption — although she’s permanently lost one ear.

What’s the reason for the difference? Coulter believes we may be seeing after-effects of the pandemic.

While the past two years saw a surge in people acquiring dogs and cats, those same conditions that encouraged them to seek pet companionship had a problematic side for the animals.

“There’s definitely a factor that a lot of pets have been under-socialized,” Coulter said. “If you’ve gone through a year without having any visitors to your home, it’s going to be a switch for your pets when you ask them to be comfortable with new people.”

COVID restrictions may have also kept pet owners from accessing the regular veterinary care necessary to maintain pet health.

“Some medical issues may have gotten worse because (owners) weren’t able to stay on top of them.”

For more information on pet adoption, visit windsorhumane.org.

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