BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Companion Animal Alliance, a Baton Rouge area animal shelter, says it is euthanizing over 10 dogs each day as they are “in crisis mode” with the overcapacity.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, CAA called the level of overcapacity a “very serious situation,” noting that the facility has taken in 144 dogs in less than a week. The issue has forced the shelter to euthanize multiple dogs daily.

“Our staff are some of the most dedicated and passionate animal welfare advocates, and we are being crushed under the weight of making euthanasia decisions for adoptable animals,” CAA said.

The animal shelter is calling for help from the community, saying efforts until now to get pets adopted have not been enough.

“Transparency is key. We understand, more than anyone, how easy it is to get angry, overwhelmed, and defeated,” CAA said. “Direct these strong emotions into something that could save a life – adopt, foster, advocate pet services for pet owners in our community, and work to help reunite lost pets with owners without ever entering the shelter.”

To free up space, CAA is asking for anyone available and willing to give an emergency foster home to a dog as soon as possible.

“Emergency fosters will not be required to complete our orientation, simply come in and take home a pet in need for a short period to free up kennel space. All emergency foster dogs must be altered,” according to CAA.

Questions can be emailed to adopt@caabr.org or a voicemail can be left at 225-408-5360.

Click here to learn more about the different ways to help CAA.