Humane Society braces for impact as SNAP benefits will soon expire

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- SNAP benefits expire November 1, leaving millions of Americans to make choices of whether to feed their pets or themselves.

The St. Joseph County Humane Society is offering support to help keep these pets in their loving homes. There is a food pantry available to the public with food for both cats and dogs. 

Genny Brown, Executive Director compared the government shutdown to the 2008 recession, saying we may see an increase in pet surrenders. "During the last recession when folks were hurting and they were having to make decisions whether to feed their families or feed their pets we did see an increase in surrenders and surrender request."

The humane society is at capacity with nearly 350 animals, so the hope is to avoid an influx in surrenders. This organization also heavily relies on donations to continue to provide to the community. Brown says that during these tough times, we as a community need to band together to make it out of this.

"One of the things we are so fortunate to have here in Michiana is a great support system by our community. It really does take a village to care for the animals and care for the people and by doing it together everybody wins."