Ross County Humane Society holds annual review meeting
CHILLICOTHE— The Ross County Humane Society recently held its annual review meeting where the public was invited to come and hear about the progress that has been made over the past year and what the shelter's goals are for the future.
Last year the Humane Society had 1,088 intakes. Of those 503 were adopted, 251 were returned to owners and 309 were transferred to a rescue. Executive Director Jenn Thomas said adoption numbers last year were down compared to previous years. The number of dogs returned by adopters was also down to 28 but Thomas said this is likely due to fewer animals being adopted in the first place.
Last year 66 dogs were euthanized by the Humane Society. These dogs were deemed unable to be adopted out either due to temperament and biting or to terminal illnesses. Thomas said she tries to save every dog but there are some that are unsafe to send back out to the public. Despite these euthanasians, the shelter has not euthanized a dog for space in the last nice years
"We don't euthanize healthy adoptable dogs," said Thomas.
The shelter also helped to provide over 580 spays and neuters for local animals to help reduce the number of strays in the area. Thomas said the low-cost Rascal Unit was a big success last year helping both dogs and cats The Rascal Unit will return for 23 clinics this year.
When it comes to finances the shelter made money this year again, as it has been since 2018. A majority of funding, 44%, came through donations. Last year over 1,900 people and organizations gave monetary donations. Other funding sources include county contributions, adoption fees and fundraisers. The county does help the Humane Society since dogs picked up by the dog warden are taken to the shelter to be cared for. Thomas said the shelter has proven that it can "operate efficiently." She also thanked Petland Charities for donating healthy food for the dogs.
The biggest project that was discussed was the capital campaign to construct a new shelter. The current building was built in the late 1990s and is falling apart with crumbling walls and falling ceiling tiles that can no longer be fixed. The new 7,000 square feet facility will help increase the well-being of the animals housed in the facility with better air quality, noise reduction and enhanced measures for disease control.
A blueprint of the new building was shown. This building will be made out of sustainable materials so that it will last longer and dogs will not be able to break it. There will also be a veterinary suit, that has already been sponsored, where dogs will be able to receive care without having to be taken to a vet clinic. Currently, the Human Society is at 85% of its goal but hopes to get all of the needed funds this year.
"We are going to break ground this year," said Thomas. "It is going to happen."
While the Humane Society does not handle cats they were a topic of discussion during the meeting. Thomas said the shelter gets many calls about cats that they are unable to care for as the shelter is not made for them and would lead to a bad life for the felines. She did however mention working with Cats & Company on the trap and release program they are wanting to do. This program will decrease the number of stray kittens in the county.
Other goals for this year include for the shelter to become a fear-free shelter, meaning that the shelter will be a better place for dogs and that their physical and emotional needs will be met. The Humane Society also wants to grow its volunteer, foster and adoption programs.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ross County Humane Society holds annual review meeting
