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40-plus cats euthanized after infection sweeps Tenn. animal shelter

Sevierville, TN — An animal shelter in Tennessee is defending its decision to euthanize more than 40 cats after an infection swept through the facility.

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According to WATE-TV, animal lovers became outraged after learning the Pets without Parents shelter, which was reported to be a “no-kill” facility, put down dozens of cats.

After weeks of attempting to nurse close to 50 cats that became infected with upper respiratory infections back to health, the shelter said euthanization was their last resort and only option.

“My heart is animals,” said Lory Souders, the shelter’s president. “I’ve tried to save as many as I can.”

Although a number of people in the community claim the shelter isn’t doing enough to properly care for the animals and prevent disease from spreading, Souders says the problem is overcrowding.

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Pets Without Parents has a contract with the county and the city, and must accept all pets dropped off by animal control.

"We have had a situation here," Souders said. "We've been full for a long time."

Not only are they full, but they're well over capacity. The facility is built to house around 150 pets, and it's now holding more than 200.

Despite the overcrowded challenges, Souders said the only time they euthanize is when animals are either too aggressive or too sick to find a new home.

What the facility really needs, according to Souders, is for more people to give shelter animals loving homes.

Souders hopes this unfortunate situation raises awareness about adopting and volunteering with animals.

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