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Humane Society raising money for new shelter
Photo by James Nix
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Published: August 2, 2009
Karin Britt estimates that more than 5,000 animals are being put to sleep by animal control in Cabarrus County each year. In addition to that number, she said the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County saves about 1,500 to 2,000 pets every year.
"We are doing the best we can, but we need a bigger shelter where we can save at least 75 percent of the animals," said Britt, president and one of the founders of the Humane Society.
The nonprofit group started a campaign in May 2008 called, "Raisin' the Roof," to raise the approximately $1 million needed for acquiring a new shelter.
"We are looking for enough acreage to move our three facilities together, the shelter, the (cage-free adoption) facility for cats and the spay and neuter clinic," Britt said. "It will probably be at least 10 acres."
Right now, the Humane Society can accommodate about 12 to 14 dogs and 10 to 15 cats or kittens in the shelter and about 47 cats in its cage-free adoption facility.
But with the economy and more people being unable to care for their animals, the need to rescue animals has risen, and the space is not enough, said Judy Sims, second vice president for the Humane Society.
"For a lot of people, (pets are) the first thing they give up," Sims said. "With the economy, we are getting dozens of requests to take in animals, and we can't take in animals from the public. We get them from animal control."
If the Humane Society had a bigger shelter, it could take in more pets from animal control, Sims said.
The Humane Society wants a shelter with 50 or 60 runs for two to four dogs each; an infirmary for sick dogs and cats; rooms for puppies, cats and kittens; a place where the veterinarian can examine the animals; a recreation area; room for animals to exercise outside; and an adoption area for potential owners to meet the pets.
"Some counties have shelters, and they are able to take in so many (animals)," Sims said. "It is because of generosity of one person. We have a lot of good donors, and we need more of that."
While the nonprofit group participates in many fundraisers, the proceeds have not been close to the overall goal.
"We need public awareness," Sims said. "We'd love to have donations of land or endowments."
And for those who are not able to give money or land, Sims said volunteers are also needed.
"We'll take anything anyone's willing to donate," Sims said. "There are a lot of different ways people can help in some big and small ways."
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