Maryland animal rescue groups prepare for more pet owners in need

As Maryland leaders shuffle millions of dollars to confront uncertain funding for food stamps and the ongoing government shutdown, animal rescue groups across the state are preparing to help an influx of pet owners in need.

“As this shutdown goes on and people run out of benefits, what are they gonna do?” asked Maria McGlosson, the adoption and foster coordinator for Tara’s House Animal Rescue in Sykesville. “They can’t feed their families. Can they feed their dogs? They cannot.”

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program placed even more strain on low-income households and charityefforts, which have seen furloughed federal workers join lines for food as the longest government shutdown in American history continues.

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