Macon has overpopulation of stray animals. What should you do if you see one?

An overpopulation of stray animals in Macon leaves animal services struggling to keep up.

If a resident encounters a stray, the first thing they should do is report it. Sonja Adams, Bibb County Animal Services enforcement manager, previously told The Telegraph that while reports will be prioritized by public safety and animal welfare and not every stray can be taken off the streets into their facility, every call is taken seriously and each report could assist with another case.

Residents also should be careful about approaching a stray animal themselves. Regardless of the size, behavior or type of animal, animal enforcement officer Daniel Mitchell warns people to proceed with caution when encountering a stray. Don’t make any sudden movements or fast, quick motions that could upset the animal.

Approach calmly, Mitchell advises, and gauge whether the animal is friendly or doesn’t want anyone near it. Exercise personal safety, especially when dealing with a feral animal.

There are ways to assess whether an animal is feral. In most cases, a feral cat will stand their ground and even take swipes at people, coming off more aggressive than a general stray cat. Generally, a feral dog will go one step further and try to mark their territory. There are several dog packs in Macon. Feral animals’ social skills have essentially melted away, leaving feral animals to exhibit animalistic behaviors, Mitchell said.

What happens when a stray is picked up in Macon?

In the case that Bibb County Animal Services is able to take the stray off the street after weighing the decision between public safety, animal welfare and general shelter space, that animal will be medically evaluated to ensure it is not suffering.

After the evaluation, the stray animal will be placed on a seven-day stray hold. Animal services will scan for microchips, take pictures, and post on social media in case the animal is simply lost, Mitchell said.

If no owner is found after the seven-day stray hold, the animal will undergo a multi-tiered behavior evaluation to ensure it can be put up for adoption in the shelter. According to Mitchell, if the animal fails, animal services will attempt rehabilitation and coordinate with specialized rescues. In worst case scenarios, the animal gets euthanized.

“Every animal that comes into this building gets a fair chance. Every single one of them,” Mitchell said.

Animal services has taken in 2,461 animals, saved 394 animals through adoption, and returned 221 animals to their rightful owner in the past year, according to their website.

For those looking to take in an animal, adoption fees have been waived for the month of June to approved adopters.

Taking in a stray

If one decides to take in a stray in Macon-Bibb county, they assume responsibility for that animal by taking them off the street. The assumption of responsibility comes with the expectation one will provide a certain level of care for the animal, Mitchell said.

Stray animals may carry illnesses and diseases, so caretakers should take the animal to get medically evaluated. Ensure the animal is not just lost by getting their microchip scanned and posting on social media.

There are several Facebook groups that the finders of lost animals can post in to gain greater exposure for the animal. For example, Lost Pets in Macon GA and Middle Georgia Lost/Found Pets help connect the animal to their rightful owner. In addition, there is an app called PawBoost, which allows users to post the animal. Those who find strays also can post flyers around town with information about the animal to help locate an owner.

Local shelters can assist with stray animals. However, space is typically limited. There are many animal rescue groups in the Macon-Bibb area, including All About Animals, Paws In Middle Georgia Animal Rescue, Kitty City Cat Rescue, Furever After Rescue, and the Humane Society of Houston County.

Keeping the stray animal at home can put any human or animal in the house at risk. Make sure to evaluate the animal’s behavior and make sure there aren’t any drastic behavioral changes, Mitchell warns.

There are also options to “Trap-Neuter-Return” a stray animal, which helps control population growth of stray animals. If one catches a stray animal, there are many cheap options to get it neutered or spayed. A nonprofit organization called SAFE, Saving Animals From Euthanasia, performs surgeries for cats to get fixed for $45 if a requester writes “45 special” in the appointment request.