Humane Society still barking
Never give up, and never say quit. The Humane Society of Warren County is still here, still in operation and is still struggling to make a difference.
Two years ago this month, the Humane Society’s animal shelter closed its doors for good in Warren County. Although they reluctantly left the shelter when the Warren County Commission halted funding, shelter employees didn’t abandon helping the county.
‘We are still here but there are only five of us left,’ said Humane Society treasurer Riche Churchill. ‘Most of us are over the age of 70. We have been in existence since 1979 continuously.’
With no shelter available, the society cannot take in animals. However, the organization still has the same goal ‘ to curb the ever-increasing population of unwanted animals. To help with this, they offer vouchers which can be used to get dogs and cats spayed or neutered at a cost of $20 to $30 compared to $100 to $120.
In 2006, the Humane Society of Warren County was responsible for providing $14,013 for veterinary expenses to spay and neuter 102 dogs and 22 cats for those who are financially unable to do so.
According to the society, this prevented a minimum of 1,200 puppies and kittens born. If only half were female, six months later they and their moms could have had 4,700 more animals.
So far in the first seven months of 2007, they have spent $15,000 to spay and neuter 164 dogs and 40 cats. With four months left in the year, the number could easily double.
Fundraisers, private donations and grants are used to fund the vouchers. Fundraisers include animal shows and a booth at the Autumn Street Fair.
The organization’s desire is the same with or without the shelter: A spay and neuter ordinance passed in the county. Those who do not want their animals surgically altered, would have to have pay a fee. However, they think this will never happen.
‘The county doesn’t see a problem,’ said Churchill. ‘They don’t see a problem because there are hundreds of people in this county and surrounding ones who take these animals in. They can’t harden their hearts the way the county can. As long as people continue to take them in, the county won’t see the problem.’
Even with ordinances, Churchill admits that it will be impossible to make sure everyone registers their animal but she believes the funds generated can go towards enforcement.
The vouchers are available for low-income households. For more information about making donations or receiving a voucher, contact Churchill at 686-2012.