Humane Society of Somerset County reopens to public after temporary closure
SOMERSET ―The Humane Society of Somerset County (HSSC) has reopened its doors to the public after a month-long closure, according to a Jan. 10 release from the organization.
“While closed for around one month, staff members were able to prioritize adopting out animals and have also worked to hire new employees,” the release said. “Even so, the need is great. HSSC, like many other shelters locally and across the country, have seen increases in surrendered and stray animal intake.”
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Why were they closed?
A post dated Dec. 8 on the humane society’s Facebook page said the shelter was closing its doors and not accepting any more animals for an undetermined time because the number of animals in its care was “beyond capacity,” with a limited staff to care for them.
“Every kennel is full, there is just no space left,” the post read. “We are going to close our doors until further notice to try and focus strictly on adoptions and the care of our many animals.”
The humane society is also a no-kill shelter, so the animals there “are never euthanized because of space shortages,” the release said. “Because of this, the shelter often maintains a near- or at-capacity amount of animals.”
A call from the Daily American to the humane society on Friday for more information about the shelter’s closure was not returned.
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How you can help
Now that the shelter has reopened, donations of food, treats, cleaning supplies and other items can be dropped off at the shelter during business hours, which are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays. A “wish list” of items is posted on their website, somersetpets.com, under the Donate tab.
Monetary donations can be made online at cfalleghenies.org/fund/hssc or by mailing a check to the Humane Society of Somerset County, PO Box 182, Somerset, PA 15501.
Those who are interested in adopting a dog or cat are asked to call the humane society at 814-443-2121 to make an appointment and complete an adoption application. The application is posted online at somersetpets.com, under the Adopt tab.
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“Our kennels are currently full of furry friends who need a loving home,” shelter Manager Kourtney Lizza said in the release. “In the past, our local community has always supported us and we’re confident that they will continue to do so now and in the future.”
A “Purrse Party” fundraiser for the Humane Society of Somerset County is also scheduled for Feb. 25 at the Bakersville Fire Department social hall. Doors to the event open at 12:30 and drawings begin at 1 p.m. The ticket price includes light food and drinks and four chances to win a variety of designer purses. More information on the event is posted on the humane society’s Facebook page, and tickets can be purchased by calling 814-443-9743.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Humane Society of Somerset County reopens to public after temporary closure
