Pet food bank to start in September

Ashley Mills wanted to keep a cat she found at a abandoned house, but hard economic times meant that she dropped the animal off at the Charleston Animal Shelter. She knew she couldn't afford to take care of the animal if it got sick.

Her story is one that shelter officials are hearing more often these days as pet owners are forced to make difficult choices because of the economy. Some surrender their animals after losing a job or home. Others cut costs by moving in with a relative who doesn't want the animal around.

'It's increased a great deal. I'm sure all the shelters are feeling it,' said J.J. Messervy, president of the Francis Willis Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Up to five people per week surrender an animal at the Summerville shelter because of the cost of caring for it. That is a six-fold increase over last year in the number of pets given up for economic reasons, he said.

To try to keep more animals at home, the Charleston Animal Society will start a pet food bank to offer a month's worth of free food for those struggling to keep their dog or cat because of financial problems.

The organization plans to announce the new initiative on Sept. 2, said Charles Karesh, the society board of directors president.

For more read Wednesday's editions of The Post and Courier.