NEW.BRUNSWICK (CBC) - The number of cats needing shelter from the Charlotte County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has exceeded the number that can be accommodated, says an official.

The animal shelter in St. Stephen is only able to house 15 cats at a time but there are more than 50 other animals that need care, said spokeswoman Evie Gagne.

Construction has begun on a new shelter, which is expected to open in the fall, Gagne said. But even the additional space won't resolve the problem.

Cat owners need to take responsibility for their pets, she said, and have them spayed or neutered.

"We can work as hard as we can, and we're doing that right now, but the absolute bottom line is if people don't get their animals fixed, the problem will never go away," Gagne said.

LIKE IT?  LET OTHERS KNOW