Faced with an influx of dogs, Humane League of Lancaster County is reducing its canine adoption fees by 50 percent this month.

"Just this past month, we got 98 more dogs here at the shelter," Megan Gallagher Clark, the Humane League's vice president of development and outreach, said. "So now we have about 345 dogs — with some in foster care."

The high volume of dogs is especially challenging because the Humane League is painting its kennels to maintain licensing requirements.

Kerry Flanagan, the Humane League's vice president of operations, said that while upgrading the kennels means less cages will be available for orphan dogs, the work is important.

"The Humane League has high standards of care for our dogs, and maintaining our kennels is a top priority," she said.

The reduced adoption fees for dogs go into effect today and will continue through Jan 31. The fees, which includes vaccinations and microchipping, are:

Puppies (8 weeks to 6 months), $87.50; adult dogs (7 months through 6 years), $60; and senior dogs (7 years and older), $25.

Gallagher Clark said the influx of dogs has much to do with the recent changes to Pennsylvania dog laws.

"We're getting a lot of our dogs from breeders or kennels in violation of the new codes," she said. "Annually, we usually have an increase in animals because some people receive them as gifts and can't keep them.

"But this time, we're getting more dogs than cats," Gallagher Clark said.

On Dec. 20, the Humane League staff and Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement agents removed 96 dogs from a West Earl Township kennel after an injunction was issued to stop the breeder from operating.

"We got them now," Gallagher Clark said. "I'd love to see them all adopted by someone willing to give their patience and care."

She also pointed out that reducing adoption rates may help those who have delayed getting a dog because of the economy.

"We know there's people who have been putting off adoption because of the recession, but they can still provide quality care for one of our dogs," Gallagher Clark said. "So, we hope this discount is an incentive."

She said the Humane League has a wide selection of dogs that easily fall under the category "cute."

"You should see them," she said. "They're all great animals."

Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, can be reached at 393-6551. For more information, visit www.humaneleague.com.

E-mail: cdifonzo@lnpnews.com