County working with Humane Society
Dear Editor:
The Morgan County Commissioners are to be commended for voting unanimously to give the Humane Society of Morgan County $100 for each dog that we take from county animal control. Since the last animal control officer left, the Society has taken in 15 dogs from the county. Of those, 13 have been placed in “forever homes,” one was reunited with its owner and one is awaiting adoption.
The Society received no compensation for these dogs nor did it ask for any. The vote by the commissioners is not retroactive and applies only to future dogs from the county.
All dogs at the shelter receive a rabies shot, all vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, dewormed, microchipped and are treated for ticks and fleas. They are fed, sheltered and socialized while we try to find them a home. We believe the care they receive is better than the county can provide at their kennels.
By taking as many of the county dogs as we can, it turns out to be a win-win situation, particularly for the dogs. The county probably saves money in the long run as they do not have to pay for the care of the animals or to pay for them possibly being euthanized. It also frees up the time of the animal control staff who are already overburdened with the amount of work their jobs require on a daily basis.
On a prorated basis over the course of a year, the Society spends about $400 for each dog in our care. Even with the donation from the county, the Society loses money on each dog, even when factoring in the $125 donation that we request from adoptees. As a private non-profit organization, we are constantly fundraising and seeking grants to make up the difference.
This is a great example of government and the private sector working together for a common goal. The Society is glad that we have such a positive working relationship with the commissioners. We feel the same about working with Jody McClintock as the County Administrator and Holly Jack as the Animal Control Officer. Morgan County should be proud to have such dedicated elected officials and county employees. We look forward to working with them in the future. We also encourage everyone to visit us at the shelter and see what they can do to help.
George Farnham
President, Humane Society of Morgan County
