TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A local K9 rescue will be temporarily suspending operations.

Since COVID began in 2020, St. Francis Canine Rescue had opened it’s doors to thousands of dogs and it has provided “furever” homes for over 500 dogs. But due to funding issues, the rescue can no longer take in any animals.

Over the past two years the owner of the rescue and Ollie’s Canine Campus has funded over $280,000 to care for the dogs. Costs to keep the rescue open on a monthly basis is about $12,000.

Owner of the rescue Tom Kuhl said the rescue will continue to care for the current dogs. They will also continue efforts to raise the necessary funds to continue to work in the community.

“Right now we’re in dire need in the city of Terre Haute because of all the stray dogs that are running around. The humane shelter is always full,” Kuhl said. “We get calls literally five to ten calls a day asking if we can take dogs in and we want to do our part. We wanna continue where we left off.”

Kuhl also said he hopes to reopen the rescue in the near future. If you would like to donate or look at dogs to adopt you can visit their Facebook page.