The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Colin LaVaute, the Central Missouri Humane Society's shelter relations coordinator explained,

"Summer time is particularly a busier time. Animals are usually in heat throughout the spring and if those animals are spayed or neutered then that’s when you see the litters of puppies and kittens and increased intake."

The Central Missouri Humane society has been putting pets with people in 1943.

They are one of three open door shelters in Missouri, and they always seem to be overcrowded.

We were told shelters don’t like to kill animals to make space and Captain Bob Cynova made clear it is a last resort for the Jefferson City animal shelter when he said, "We are not looking to put animals down,. Unless they are severely injured or has a disease that could spread throughout the shelter. We aren't quick about putting animals down. We make every effort."

The best way to control overflow and the pet population is to have your pets spayed or neutered.

The Central Missouri Humane Society has noticed a growing problem for Pet owners finding the extra money to set aside to get the procedure done.

Colin explained, "Individuals with low income circumstances can possibly get a free spay or neuter."

Shirley Anderson drove all the way from Sturgeon to take advantage of the low cost spaying options. She said, "I checked other places and I came here due to the expense."

Colin also told us he feels that pet overpopulation is always going to be a problem unless the community at large takes responsibility and gets their pet spayed or neutered.