"You never know when one’s going to show up hungry," she said. Stell resides in a remote area near Cagle Road, where she said three to four dogs are dropped off at the end of her cul-de-sac each year.

"They’re abandoned and dropped off like trash," she said.

Discarded by their owners who don’t take responsibility for their pets’ health, these dogs often wind up under Stell’s care until she takes them to the Humane Society of Hall County.

When a happy, healthy 85-pound black labrador was dropped off in front of Stell’s home recently, she said she had had enough.

"It’s abuse and (people) do get prosecuted," she said.

"I don’t understand it," she said. "Because no matter what kind of health a dog is in, just drop it off at the Humane Society — it’s the kindest, most compassionate thing you can do."

Gwen Trimmer, director of community resource development at the Humane Society of Hall County, said that getting dogs spayed and neutered is the solution to the problem. With the Humane Society taking in about 11,000 cats and dogs each year, only about 35 percent of them are able to find homes through adoption, whereas the remainder are euthanized, she said.

"People need to remember that owning a pet is a privilege, not a right," she said.

Trimmer said it is crucial that pet owners spay or neuter their animals, and the Humane Society performs spay and neuter services for low-income residents for only $50 an animal. Discounted spay and neuter certificates are available through Spay Georgia, and they can be used at private veterinary clinics. Discounted certificates can be obtained by calling 770-662-4479.