Affordable spay/neutering on the way
Though progress is being made, with several new programs in the works, local Humane Society statistics are still heartbreaking, according to Humane Society shelter director Beth Farmer.
Farmer said the sheer number of animals coming into the shelter is really unnerving to those who have to deal with them.
“I put down 31 today,” Farmer said Thursday. “And we are still full with more coming in. We’ve taken in 100 this week.”
Farmer, along with other Humane Society members, say there is really only one way to make any kind of significant difference in the number of animals who have to be put down.
“The most important thing for people to do is spay and neuter,” Farmer said.
The shelter realizes that can be difficult financially for many families, and the local Humane Society has been working hard to provide affordable alternatives for lower-income families.
In fact a group of veterinary students from UT will be in Warren County August 8-10 performing spay and neutering operations, as well as other veterinary services, for local pet owners. The clinic will be held in West Elementary’s gym and, once again, is geared toward low-income families. Anyone who is participating in the following programs will qualify: AFDC, Food Stamps, Families First, Public Housing, Section 8, SSI, SSD, VA Disability, Medicaid or WIC or income level $20,000 or below.
This spay and neutering clinic, provided by Rural Area Veterinary Service, is for those who could not otherwise afford it and is sponsored by the local Humane Society.
For information on the clinic, or to make an appointment, call 939-3153 today through Aug. 6.
The Humane Society is also working to improve conditions at the shelter with new construction projects for which much of the materials have been donated by local businesses – something the group said it really appreciates. Animal-friendly businesses are encouraged to offer any aid they can, with donations of labor and materials, fund-raising, or simply helping with educating people on responsible pet ownership. Businesses that would like to help can call the shelter at 473-5720 for more information.
The shelter has recently acquired a new computer system, with the help of Computers Plus, which Farmer will be putting to use to give the local Humane Society a presence on the Internet. The shelter will be posting animals for adoption on established Web sites like PetFinder.com, Pets911.com and Petsville.com, but Farmer is planning to set up a local Humane Society Web site, where potential adoptive families will be able to see some of the animals the shelter has available.
“We’ve had 1,000 hits from Petfinder.com this month,” Farmer said.
Local families interested in adopting can check out those Web sites for posts from the local shelter, or stop by the shelter to see the animals.
The Humane Society of Warren County meets the last Tuesday night of every month in Judge Ross’ courtroom. For information, or to join the organization, call the shelter at 473-5720.