The summer months are typically busy for animal shelters, but for the one at Stratford Animal Control, this year is especially bad. It isn’t at capacity yet, but it is pretty full, according to Karen Tracy, president of Stratford Animal Rescue Society, known as STARS.

“What we're finding this year is that we have an influx of kittens certainly, more than previous years,” Tracy explained. “The kittens often come in, they come in basically from the wild, and they have eye problems. They just need a lot of extra veterinary care, and when there's that many of them, it's pretty challenging.”

STARS is the nonprofit that does fundraising for the shelter and provides volunteers there. Tracy said the group is also seeing an uptick of animals in bad shape.

“We're finding that some of the animals that are coming in have come from really severe abuse and neglect cases. They’re emaciated, need special veterinary care, often have special dietary needs as well, so all that is kind of stressing out the shelter,” Tracy told News 12.

A 2-week-old puppy recently found on Huntington Road is among the animals whose care will be expensive. The puppy had an elastic band around his leg that was there for so long, it cut through the fur and muscle, exposing the bone, according to Tracy. STARS is seeking donations from the public to help cover ongoing vet bills. The nonprofit also has a wish list on Amazon.

“We do all our own fundraising, and we're finding it challenging to meet the financial needs of all the animals that are coming in,” Tracy stated.

STARS is also looking to the community for help clearing the shelter.

“If they're ready to adopt an animal, now is the time. We need them in your homes,” Tracy said.

STARS is waiving all adoption fees for cats and kittens every Thursday during the summer from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.