Olney Police Taking Donations for Pet Food Pantry

The City of Olney has established a new pet food pantry at the Olney Police Department after Animal Control Officer Holly Robertson reported a sharp increase in the number of residents struggling to feed their pets.

Interim Police Chief Autumn Thames presented the request at last week’s City Council meeting, where she said Mrs. Robertson has seen a significant spike in calls from families who cannot afford pet food due to rising inflation and the ongoing government shutdown.

Rather than allowing these animals to be surrendered to already over-capacity shelters, Officer Robertson and police officers have been quietly purchasing food out of their own pockets to help families keep their pets at home. Chief Thames told the Council that the need has grown beyond what officers can personally provide, prompting the creation of the new pantry.

The Council voted to approve the initiative, and the Olney Police Department lobby is now accepting donations. Community members may drop off dry dog and cat food, canned pet food, and cat litter Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chief Thames told the Council that a pet food pantry would allow Olney police to help more families and keep more animals out of the shelter.

Families who need assis- tance may visit the Police Department lobby to fill out a simple application for pet food. Chief Thames emphasized that the pantry is meant to support residents during difficult times and prevent unnecessary surrenders.

Officer Robertson said she has met several residents in the past month alone who have asked to surrender their pets because they cannot afford the cost of food. “With the cost of dog food going up, it’s hard. Some are feeding their animals their food and by the end of the month, they are out of food. We want to keep families together,” she said. “We don’t want them to give up their pets because some are not rehomable..”

Donations may be delivered directly to the Police Department during lobby hours. Anyone with questions may call the station for more information.