HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Houston County Humane Society reports a significant rise in abandoned cats and dogs in recent weeks, attributing the increase in part to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to the ASPCA, animal abandonments rose 40 percent during the 35-day shutdown in 2018, signaling a troubling trend that appears to be recurring.

Amanda Sims, a volunteer at the Houston County Humane Society, said the longer the shutdown continues, the more pet owners find themselves unable to afford caring for their animals.

"They don't have the money to take care of the dogs," Sims said.

When shelters reach capacity, pet owners are often left with no choice but to abandon their pets.

"When people can't afford their animals and there's nowhere to surrender them because ev

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