The Maui Humane Society released an urgent call for people to help foster animals as they prepare for a large-scale intake of dogs connected to a Humane Enforcement case. 

What You Need To Know

  • The nonprofit animal shelter is already full, with zero open kennels, and they are hoping to make space to care for incoming animals

  • When Spectrum News Hawaii asked MHS for more information about the Humane Enforcement case, a spokesperson for the shelter said they couldn't provide further details as the case is still open, but said they were in the process of taking in the dogs

  • For anyone who wants to foster, MHS provides food, supplies, medication, training and ongoing support. To learn more, click here

The shelter is already full, with zero open kennels, and they are hoping to make space to care for incoming animals, according to a news release. 

“This is a critical situation,” said Nikki Russell, Maui Humane Society’s Chief of Operations. “We take our responsibility to rescue animals in need very seriously, and when shelter space is so limited, it is extremely challenging to do our jobs. We desperately need our community’s help.”

MHS is the only open-intake shelter on the island and they hold the animal control contract with Maui County, which means they must always be ready to take in new animals who are victims of abuse, sick or injured, or have nowhere else to go.  

The organization’s Humane Enforcement department responds to more than 300 calls for service each month, including reports of ill and injured animals, suspected animal cruelty, bite investigations and more. In March, MHS responded to 420 calls for service — higher than their average — and took in 57 dogs from various cases.

"Humane Enforcement is available 24/7 and we are playing a constant game of Tetris to make sure the animals they bring to the shelter are safe with appropriate shelter, veterinary care, and as much love as we can give," said Victoria Ivankic, a spokesperson for MHS, in an email to Spectrum News Hawaii. 

When Spectrum News Hawaii asked for more information about the recent case, which involves a large-scale intake of dogs, Ivankic said she couldn't provide further details as the case is still open, but said the nonprofit was in the process of taking in the animals. 

For anyone who wants to foster, MHS provides food, supplies, medication, training and ongoing support. To learn more about becoming a foster, click here. 

“Whether you’ve fostered before or are considering it for the first time, we need you,” Russell said. “Fostering even one animal can make space for another life to be saved.”

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information from the MHS spokesperson. (April 17, 2025)

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