The sight of cats and dogs roaming around campus seems to be commonplace at DePauw since the closing of the Humane Society shelter almost two years ago.
To ensure the safety of the animals on campus and around town, the Humane Society of Putnam County (HSPC) and many volunteers have made efforts to re-open the shelter.
"I don't think students, particularly first-years, know how to handle the animals when we see them," first-year Hayley Alder said.
"It'd be great if we were told who to call if we want to help out a particular animal or if there was a shelter we could take them to," Alder said. "That's why I think it's extremely important to try and get the shelter back open."
According to the HSPC's most recent newsletter, clean up around the exterior ground of the shelter is already underway and a re-opening is imminent.
"We understand that it is our duty to provide the best possible care for the dogs and cats housed in the shelter, " HSPC representatives said in their August announcement.
The HSPC's store, Rescued Treasures, has been imperative in the effort to get the shelter up and running again due to the profit it has created. The needed finances go towards refurbishing the shelter with necessary supplies and transport cages, according to the newsletter.
Groups outside the HSPC have attempted to make a positive impact on the animal issues in the area too. For instance, the DePauw Campus Cat Allies work to re-home the strays and spay/neuter the feral cats found around the community.
Professor Ellen Bayer, faculty advisor for the Campus Cat Allies, said that educating the community about spaying/neutering their animals is a step that needs to be taken to help the rampant animal problem.
"What's driving this is people are letting their pets out and a female cat can reproduce a large number every year which just compounds," Bayer said. "We need to have a louder voice in promoting responsibility."
The Campus Cat Allies humanely trap, neuter and return the feral cats on campus. By doing so, population is more easily managed. The group also makes sure that they get vaccinated. Additionally, they've held fundraisers to help build shelters for the cats.
"We got a huge response by students for the fundraiser," Bayer said. "Students definitely want to get involved with this issue."
Students that find cats around campus can post pictures with descriptions on the Campus Cat Allies' Facebook page. If the animal is a stray, they will attempt to find it a new home.
"It's heartbreaking when I see a stray animal around campus," Alder said. "I think we should all do everything we can to help better the lives of these animals, whether it's getting them vaccinated or finding them homes."
These animals will continue to have a presence on campus for some time, but through the work of programs like the Campus Cat Allies and the continued efforts of the HSPC and their supporters, steps are being taken in the right direction.