The Dog Adoption Center of the non-profit Animal Shelter in Riberas del Pilar will close its doors on June 30, its founder and operator Geoffrey Kaye announced this week.
Kaye cited hesitation by Chapala authorities over issuing a new license for the center following neighborhood complaints about noise as the reason for his decision.
Kaye said he has complied with all the municipal requirements for the center over the past 11 years.
“This actually all happened at a propitious time,” said Kaye. “We have spent about 30,000 dollars a year on the center, which for the past three years has housed no more than 12 dogs at a time. We were successful in terms of adoptions, with more than 150 dogs a year going to good homes but as the general economy has slowed and sales at the Animal Shelter store that supports the project are a little sluggish, that money could go a long way toward more help for our cats and other animals at Lakeside.”
Kaye said he has learned of a spay and neuter group that wants a program on a full-time basis to sterilize the pets of financially challenged Mexicans. He said he is seriously considering working with that when and if the time comes.The Animal Shelter will not accept any more dogs. Those bringing in stray dogs or needing new homes for their canine friends will be referred to Anita’s Animals in San Juan Cosala.
The Animal Shelter store will provide Anita’s Animals with some dog food on a regular basis.
The Pet Food Store and Cat Center at the Animal Shelter will remain open to meet the needs of Lakeside residents. All store profits will continue to support the cats and other animal needs as they arise.
Kaye and his staff encourage their many regular customers to continue to purchase animal food and other pet necessities at the Animal Shelter store, where prices are reasonable.
Kaye said he is grateful to the many loyal volunteers who have served at the Dog Center over the years and to those in the community who have enjoyed and used its services during that time.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the community and especially to have been here for the needy dogs of the Lakeside area,” said Kaye.
The Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The telephone number is 765-5514.