By Greg Jordan, CNHI West Virginia
fayetteville – People who lost their Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits Saturday can turn to food banks and other organizations for help, but many are still wondering how to feed their dogs and cats while the loss stretches their household budgets.
SNAP benefits were cut off Saturday for thousands recipients Saturday across West Virginia and the nation while the federal government’s shutdown continues. West Virginia and Virginia have stepped up efforts to help food banks and food pantries serving the hungry, there are people struggling to feed family members that are not covered by these organizations.
These members of the family are dogs and cats.
There are instances where owners are leaving their pets at animal shelters or abandoning them. The Fayette County Animal Shelter has seen two pet surrenders due to home evictions, but none relating to SNAP benefits as of Monday, said Marie Boles, animal welfare coordinator. The shelter would try to give owners dog or cat food if they’re faced with that situation.
“I would not turn them away and not give them food,” Boles said.