STURGIS – The Sturgis & Meade County Animal Shelter has reached full capacity and is unable to accept additional animals at this time.

Sturgis Police Chief Geody VanDewater said shelter staff are doing everything they can to care for the animals currently in their care, but space limitations are being pushed beyond normal capacity.

“The shelter is full, and staff are dealing with it the best they can,” VanDewater said. “We ask for patience and understanding as our shelter team works through this situation.”

The shelter reports that several dogs are currently in foster care and that cats are being housed temporarily in non-traditional spaces, including the kitchen, bathroom, and office areas.

The shelter has 15 cat kennels and currently have multiple cats in several of the kennels. And, the shelter has 13 kennels for dogs. The capacity will increase once some of the current animals are adopted out.

The city of Sturgis recognizes the inconvenience this creates for residents, but emphasizes that the shelter must prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of the animals already in its care, the police chief said.

 “We encourage the community to act responsibly when it comes to pet ownership,” VanDewater said. “Just today, someone abandon two puppies in the park. Please remember that abandoning and surrendering animals has a direct impact on the shelter’s ability to provide proper care.”

The city asks for the public’s patience during this time and reminds residents not to direct frustration toward shelter staff, who are working tirelessly to manage the current capacity.