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July Is The Busiest Time Of Year For Maine Animal Shelters

Maine Animal Shelters say this time of year they take in a larger than normal number of stray cats and dogs.

Bangor Humane Society Executive Director Suzan Prendergast says some of the animals may have gotten loose as their owners are engaged in outdoor activities. Other have run off after being scared by fireworks. The society says folks should leave their pets home during the fireworks.

Prendergast says, in general, pets don't react well to loud, booming noises.

"Whether it be a thunderstorm or a beautiful fireworks display, I don't think our dogs sit back and go 'Oh, look how pretty those lights are' they typically cower and wonder why is that so loud."

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland says July 5th is their busiest day all year.

Prendergast says people should make sure their pets have identifying microchips or tags so if they do get separated from their owners, they can be returned as soon as possible.

Ed is a Maine native who spent his early childhood in Livermore Falls before moving to Farmington. He graduated from Mount Blue High School in 1970 before going to the University of Maine at Orono where he received his BA in speech in 1974 with a broadcast concentration. It was during that time that he first became involved with public broadcasting. He served as an intern for what was then called MPBN TV and also did volunteer work for MPBN Radio.