Hartford Animal Shelter Overrun As Dog Abandonments Skyrocket; Some May Be Euthanized

HARTFORD/BLOOMFIELD, CT— The Hartford Animal Shelter says it is nearing capacity as an increasing number of dogs are being abandoned or surrendered, prompting urgent appeals for adoptions and foster assistance.

The shelter, located at 120 Rescue Lane in Bloomfield, provides animal control services for Hartford through a partnership with the Hartford Police Department.

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Officials said the facility is operating at about 90% capacity and continues to receive new animals daily. Shelter staff warned that space is becoming increasingly limited as adoptions have slowed.

In a May 22 post on the Hartford Animal Control Facebook page, the shelter described the situation as urgent.

"Animals are being dumped on a daily basis and, sadly, no dogs are getting adopted," wrote the department. "We are running out of space."

The shelter has posted profiles of adoptable dogs on social media in an effort to find homes and reduce crowding.

Recent public interest has generated increased inquiries and visits, prompting officials to remind prospective adopters that appointments are required before coming to the facility.

Shelter officials said healthy dogs could eventually face euthanasia if overcrowding continues and more space is not made available through adoptions or other placements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Hartford Animal Shelter at 860-757-4395.

For the latest on the situation at the Hartford Animal Shelter, click on the department's Facebook page here.