Columbus’ PAWS Humane Society suspends dog intakes for 30 days. Here’s why.
PAWS Humane Society announced via Facebook Tuesday it won’t take new dogs at its shelter for 30 days “due to a severe and immediate overcrowding crisis in both of our animal shelter facilities.”
PAWS said the suspension of new intakes is important for the shelter to remain no-kill.
“This decision was made with one goal in mind: to avoid the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals due to space limitations,” the post says. “We remain committed to being a no-kill community, and this temporary measure is a last-resort effort to preserve that status and protect the animals already in our care.”
PAWS took over management of the Columbus Animal Care & Control Center facility on Feb. 1 after residents repeatedly raised concerns about treatment of animals in the shelter, particularly after surveillance video captured the mistreatment of a dog being euthanized. The change in management came after a Columbus Police Department investigation led to the arrest of eight CACC workers.
PAWS says its shelters will not be accepting general dog intakes during the 30-day period. PAWS says field officers will keep responding to urgent situations, including dogs that pose an immediate safety threat, dogs found in high-traffic roads, cruelty cases and animals in urgent medical distress.
The post says PAWS is waiving all impound fees for pet owners reclaiming their animals.
“We are also increasing efforts to return pets in the field before they ever enter the shelter system,” the post says.
The humane society says its team is also scanning pets in the field, going door-to-door to locate owners, offering $150-200 per dog to approved rescue organizations who can pull dogs from their shelter, and providing supplies to families who need support to keep their pets.
A comment on the post by Facebook user Leah Lindsey Thomson offered critique of the closing, saying, “Why is being ‘no kill’ more important than picking up strays that are more than likely unaltered and will add to the overpopulation problem? And you know that people who can’t surrender their dogs may just dump them and add to the problem.”
PAWS responded to Thomson, saying, “We truly understand your concern, and you’re absolutely right that this is not an ideal situation—for the animals, the community, or our team. The decision to temporarily close intake was not made lightly.”
“It’s a last-resort measure in response to a crisis-level lack of space and resources, and it’s the only alternative we have right now to prevent the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals,” PAWS’ response says.
The organization also said animals being dumped is a real concern, but the group is trying to mitigate it as much as possible with public education and removing barriers to reclaim animals.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM.