Cincinnati pantry helps pet owners

March 11, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

A new pantry for pets offers help for people who can’t bear to part with their animals even as they struggle to put food on their own tables.

The Cincinnati Food Pantry had its first distribution over the weekend, and pet owners lined up dozens deep to receive a two weeks’ supply of pet food, treats, cat litter and other items. Two local nonprofit animal-rescue groups teamed up to obtain donations to supply the first giveaway, and they plan more.

Organizers said they want to make sure people are able to adequately care for their pets or aren’t forced to give them up because they’re going through economic hardships.

“People lose their jobs and can’t afford to keep their pets, or they have to move from their house to an apartment that doesn’t allow pets,” said Shannon DeBra, founder of Recycled Doggies, which is working with Pet Alliance on the pantry. “Money is definitely a factor in these dogs’ and cats’ landing in the shelters.”

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimated in November that 1 million to 2 million pets had been abandoned nationwide since the recession began in December 2007, based on real-estate industry numbers and pet- ownership figures.