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Financial Troubles Could Close Iowa County Humane Society
Meeting Set For Aug. 28
UPDATED: 7:00 am CDT August 20,
2008
DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- The organization that rescues cats and dogs in Iowa County is in need of some rescuing itself. The "no kill" shelter is urging supporters to help keep its doors open.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportA message on the Iowa County Humane Society's Web site blames rapid growth for the possible closure.For 10 years, the Iowa County Humane Society has been a safe-haven for unwanted and neglected cats and dogs."We're kind of becoming a victim of our own success," said Cheri Phillmore, outreach director for the Humane Society. "And it's so critical that we're at a crossroads as to whether we'll be able to continue functioning, and serving animals and citizens in Iowa County," she said.Phillmore said that’s because continuing to operate is getting extremely difficult to do.The Humane Society houses an average of 45 dogs and 120 cats. It needs about $300,000 every year to operate. This year, both the number of animals and the cost to operate are up, while donations are the same or lower, WISC-TV reported."When you're working on a shoe-string budget anyway those types of things can be like crushing," said Phillmore.The Humane Society said there are many reasons for the deficit they are facing, including the economy and housing flood victims for free. They are now looking to the community for help."The animals are counting on all of us," said Phillmore. "This is the only shelter for the animals here. And the thought that we may no longer be able to help the animals is devastating for those of us who put our heart and soul into this job."The Iowa County Humane Society is holding a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stonefield Apartments in Dodgeville.They will continue to accept cats and dogs right now, and will have a better idea of the shelter's future after the meeting.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportA message on the Iowa County Humane Society's Web site blames rapid growth for the possible closure.For 10 years, the Iowa County Humane Society has been a safe-haven for unwanted and neglected cats and dogs."We're kind of becoming a victim of our own success," said Cheri Phillmore, outreach director for the Humane Society. "And it's so critical that we're at a crossroads as to whether we'll be able to continue functioning, and serving animals and citizens in Iowa County," she said.Phillmore said that’s because continuing to operate is getting extremely difficult to do.The Humane Society houses an average of 45 dogs and 120 cats. It needs about $300,000 every year to operate. This year, both the number of animals and the cost to operate are up, while donations are the same or lower, WISC-TV reported."When you're working on a shoe-string budget anyway those types of things can be like crushing," said Phillmore.The Humane Society said there are many reasons for the deficit they are facing, including the economy and housing flood victims for free. They are now looking to the community for help."The animals are counting on all of us," said Phillmore. "This is the only shelter for the animals here. And the thought that we may no longer be able to help the animals is devastating for those of us who put our heart and soul into this job."The Iowa County Humane Society is holding a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Stonefield Apartments in Dodgeville.They will continue to accept cats and dogs right now, and will have a better idea of the shelter's future after the meeting. Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
