Immediate Release
June 11, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. If you’ve ever adopted an animal from the Clermont County Humane Society, you know that the love you give is returned tenfold! Thousands of unwanted and abused dogs and cats come into the shelter each year. “Ohio law dictates that dogs need only be held for three days, presenting shelter staff with difficult decisions,” said Clermont County Animal Shelter Director Kim Naegel. “Due to the fundraising efforts of our Humane Society volunteers and the generosity of our community, we are able to keep animals longer, and also provide a protected place for unwanted cats, kittens, and occasionally other small animals, which is not a state requirement.” Community support is urgently needed to continue to keep animals longer, provide refuge for cats, and operate our Adoption Center and after-hours emergency run program. These services are imperative to the Humane Society’s overall mission to promote adoption, the humane treatment of animals, and the well-being of our community.
“The revenue collected through the sale of dog licenses provides for the staffing and operation of the Animal Control operation; it does not provide for the Adoption Center or after-hours program. Without the volunteers and monetary contributions from the community, the level of service would be greatly diminished,” said Naegel. “We want to ensure that every healthy animal is given every opportunity to find a forever home.”
One way to help support the shelter is to become a member of the Clermont County Humane Society. A student can join for only $15 a year, an annual membership is $30, corporate membership is $150, and a lifetime membership is $250. Members receive a newsletter updating them on shelter activities and legislation pertaining to animals.
In the past five years, the Humane Society has provided shelter and assistance to over 25,000 animals, 10,000 residents in nursing homes were cheered up through the Pet Visitation Program, and 3,000 school age children were educated about responsible pet ownership through the Society’s educational campaign.
To find out more about ways you can help the Clermont County Humane Society, such as providing for charitable trusts, annuities, and memorials, call the Clermont Animal Shelter at (513) 732-8854 or visit the Web site www.ClermontCountyAnimalShelter.com.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.