Kostanay's largest dog shelter faces crisis as abandoned pets overwhelm capacity

One of the largest dog shelters in Kostanay is struggling with severe overcrowding. Every kennel and enclosure is full, and around 20 dogs now live on the streets nearby. The crisis stems from summer residents abandoning their pets in the area. The shelter sits on the grounds of a gardening association, a common dumping spot for unwanted animals. It currently holds about 300 dogs in temporary facilities, with roughly 100 captured after public complaints. Many of the animals are friendly and seek attention, despite the harsh conditions.

Makeshift kennels house the dogs, with larger breeds chained due to space constraints. Smaller dogs move around more freely. Large canines pose a particular problem, as they require more room and cannot be safely released back into the wild.

Volunteers are working to find responsible caregivers for sterilised and vaccinated dogs ready for adoption. Some owners, however, show little remorse, even questioning why the shelter objects to their abandoned pets. The shelter remains at full capacity, with no immediate solution to the overcrowding. Efforts to rehome dogs continue, but the flow of abandoned animals shows no sign of slowing. The situation highlights the ongoing challenge of irresponsible pet ownership in the region.