Overcrowding crisis: Without help, Harnett shelter may have to euthanize dogs

According to Blevins, the shelter resorts to euthanizing only to make room for hundreds of other animals.

"Although we do not use euthanasia as a tool, it becomes a necessity when we are forced to make hard choices," said Blevins. Those choices come down to public safety, including rabies control."

Although today's story has a happy ending, the struggle is far from over.

"We need to move 7 to 8 dogs by Friday," said Blevins. "We are at capacity at the shelter and backed up on animal control service calls with an estimated 300 strays to be picked up."

Since the shelter is at capacity, public adoption fees are reduced to $40 for dogs and $20 for cats until 4 p.m. on Sept. 11.

Rescues do not need to pay a fee to pick up dogs.

Typically, adoption fees are $55 for dogs and $45 for cats.

Officials noted that the reduced fee does not include the cost of additional procedures the animal may need, including heartworm testing.

The Harnett County Animal Shelter is located at 1100 McKay Place and is open for public adoptions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Dogs, cats and even a ferret: Clear the Shelters helps 1,800 animals find forever homes

Blevins encourages pet owners to spay and neuter their animals to prevent homeless dogs and cats.