The humane society in Cambria County is currently taking care of about 20 animals, which is an average amount, but they’re heading into their busy season.

“In the spring and summer months, we tend to get really busy at the shelter especially in our cat room,” says outreach coordinator Deanna Duncan.

It can become hectic.  Part of the problem is the amount of abuse or neglect cases they see in the Johnstown area.

“It’s very unfortunate and it does happen quite a bit,” Duncan adds.

To help, Representative Frank Burns is continuing his initiative as part of Pennsylvania’s “Animal Cruelty Prevention” month by accepting cat or dog food at any of his office locations.

“Our shelter exists solely off of donations and help from the community,” says Duncan.  “So without food drives and people in our community helping us we wouldn’t be able to exist and help the animals that we help.”

Representative Burns says the initiative to donate pet food started because a local group wanted to change the animal cruelty laws last year.

“I think there is a lot of animal cruelty going on and people don’t know who to report it to or what to do,” says the representative.

Right now the penalty is two years in prison and up to a one thousand dollar fine, but they say that’s not enough.  Burns and other representatives are still working to have harsher penalties.

More than 50 percent of abuse cases reported are dogs, followed by cats.  Those at the humane society agree the cases are far too many, but say they’re grateful for the community’s help.

Last year folks in the county were able to donate a whole pick up truck worth of food to humane society.  You can drop off your pet food until May 15.

Representative Frank Burns has offices in Johnstown, Ebensburg, Portage, and Patton.