Georgia SPCA May be Forced to Close

The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the no-kill animal shelter that took in Michael Vick's pit bulls and has found homes for more than 2,000 animals the past two years. Now, the shelter may be forced to shut its doors.

The poor economy has hit the SPCA hard. The shelter lost their major sponsor and donations are down across the board.

The shelter is a refuge for dogs and cats that were scheduled to be euthanized at other shelters.

"That's our mission is pulling those animals that are in danger and there's just so many of them," said SPCA Executive Direct, Joan Sammand.

The shelter may have to shut its doors by the end of the year.

"Our cages are full and our coffers are empty," said Sammand.

The poor economy means a big drop off in donations and more pets without homes.

"Fundraisers aren't bringing in as much donors, aren't giving as much foundations, aren't granting as much," said Sammand.

The SPCA doesn't receive any money from state or local governments and now shelter officials say it can't keep up with the $ 25,000 a month it costs to keep the doors open.

"We do face having to shut the actual brick and mortar facility down," said Sammond.

The SPCA specializes in taking dogs that don't have anywhere else to go.

"We really need more facilities like this so to loose one would be devastating to the animal population," said Sammand.

Georgia SPCA officials say it is developing a long-term funding plan that doesn't rely so heavily on donations, but they need to raise enough money in the short term to stay open.