The Humane Society will be forced to turn the operation of the Animal Shelter back to the City of Bainbridge if more funds are not forthcoming soon.

The City of Bainbridge was advised two weeks ago that the Humane Society could no longer afford to operate the shelter and at the end of June the operation would have to be returned to the city.

On Monday, June 23, the Humane Society stated they will be able to operate through July 15, but not beyond that date unless the city and county agree to greater funding.

The Humane Society stated there has been no word from the city.  The city has provided a specific amount each year for the operation.  The County has paid for the care of the animals that they bring to the shelter with no additional funding provided.

The City of Bainbridge was advised two weeks ago that the Humane Society could no longer afford to operate the shelter and that operation would have to be returned to the city by the end of June.

From June 1st through the 21st, the Humane Society received 257 animals.  With 293 animals received in May plus those already on site, it is becoming an overwhelming situation.

The Humane Society have made every effort struggling to raise the money necessary to operate the shelter since the beginning.  The cost of the ever-increasing number of animals being received has pushed the shelter into this crisis.

It is only as a very last resort that the shelter will be returned to the city, but with the city funding only 36% of the operating costs for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the task has become too great.

Subsidized spay/neuters have been available by application for low-income families who could not otherwise afford the procedures.  They also co-sponsored a free spay/neuter through the Humane Society of the United States.  It all helps, but much more needs to be done.

The Humane Society has sponsored a variety of fund raisers throughout the year to help offset the operating costs. Some in the community, school children in particular, have responded to the needs of the shelter. The children worked hard to provide funds, food and toys to the shelter.

Turning the shelter over is not a step forward, it is a giant step back. This is a link to a dog that arrived at the shelter. He was named Zorro by the staff and thanks to the shelter, Zorro received the food, medicine and love he needed to fight the odds. Zorro had a second chance. Now it is up to the leaders of the City and County to make sure that the shelter remains open.

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