How long can humane society provide stray animal control services?
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A cat reaches out to play from one of the many cages in the isolation room at the Rock County Humane Society as med tech Jonna Bier cleans the adjacent cage. The society says its resources and finances are being strained by the influx of stray animals. Executive Director Angela Rhodes is unsure how long the society can continue to provide stray-animal control.
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Four kittens share a single cage in a room that formerly served as a break room for employees of the Rock County Humane Society. The room is now used for animals recovering from surgery or other medical care.
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The Rock County Humane Society’s assets include its building valued at $800,000 and vehicles at about $51,000. About $350,000 is set aside as a rainy day fund.
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The society’s revenue includes money from service contracts, donations and estate donations. Years with high revenue indicate large estate donations, Executive Director Angela Rhodes said. The numbers for 2009 are skewed because of a change in the fiscal year.
JANESVILLE — The Rock County Humane Society's relationship with surrounding communities is at a crossroads, and its executive director says residents must come to terms with the true costs of caring for strays.
The problems facing Rock County aren't unique, Executive Director Angela Rhodes said.
On a recent morning, the society took a financial hit after staff discovered a break-in and the theft of about $2,000. Days before, the society took a public relations hit when Janesville City Council members expressed outrage that the cost of the city's contract with the humane society would more than double in 2011.
City Manager Eric Levitt and Rhodes have since negotiated a smaller cost per stray animal, for a total of $230,000. That's up from $114,000 this year.
Even so, changes must come, Rhodes said.
The society, for instance, proposed that in 2011 it get out of the stray animal-control business, for which Janesville pays $70,000.
The humane society building at Arch St. wasn't built for stray-animal control and lacks proper holding facilities. It is small, old and literally sinking into the ground, Rhodes said.
"If something doesn't change, I do think we would close or basically have to become something very different," she said.
Janesville and Beloit officials have asked to society to furnish stray-animal control one more year.
'Such a misconception'
Stray-animal control historically has been the responsibility of governments because strays have been considered a public health and safety issue, Rhodes said. Cities held the animals in pounds for the required seven days, after which they were either claimed by owners or euthanized.
In the 1970s, shelters began agreeing to provide stray-animal control. They took ownership of the animals after eight days and attempted to adopt them out, Rhodes said.
But shelters haven't been getting reimbursed for the full cost of stray-animal control and are looking for new business models, Rhodes said.
"Animal control keeps getting mixed up with our mission," she said. "That's our fault … We've let ourselves become an animal control facility because by taking in the strays that became our identity."
Rhodes wants the humane society out of the stray-animal control business, although the facility on Arch Street could continue to receive and hold strays.
The shelter's real mission is to find homeless animals new homes, she said.
Under the humane society's stray-animal control contract with Janesville, staff picks up animals during business hours. After hours, police officers bring animals to the shelter, where they are met by a humane society employee.
Rhodes said her employees are on call 24 hours a day and are asked to perform law enforcement duties, such as serving bite orders and getting involved in animal neglect investigations or domestic disputes.
One staff member was shot at while picking up an animal, she said.
"I have people here for $8 an hour going out at 2 in the morning risking their lives," she said. "We're not trained, and it's dangerous."
"Both Janesville and Beloit asked us to please reconsider for at least one more year providing those services. We agreed, which was a concession right off the bat."
"There's such a misconception about what we do and who we are," Rhodes said.
Many people assume the facility runs on tax dollars, not knowing the humane society is supported by service contracts and donations.
"We've always operated at a loss but were able to keep our doors open through donation dollars," Rhodes said.
But donated money should be used to care for animals until homes are found for them, not for stray-animal control, she said.
"If I gave $100 to the shelter, I would think and hope that money goes toward making sure an animal goes into a new, loving home," she said.
Why the increase?
Rhodes said the decision to increase the fee charged to Janesville for stray-animal control was based on financial analysis.
"I didn't just wake up one morning and say, 'Gosh darn it, I'm going to charge (Janesville) double," she said.
Rhodes was hired about 18 months ago. When she started investigating the society's finances, she found the cost of stray-animal control was not segregated from the cost of caring for animals after they become the property of the shelter.
"It was all put into a big pot," she said. "The actual details for the expense we were putting into each and every stray animal was not documented."
She said she has spent months gathering data and documenting costs.
"We don't just take an animal and put it in a cage," Rhodes said.
She figured the cost to care for a dog or a cat for seven days at about $150. That includes the gasoline to pick up the animal, staff time, vaccinations, deworming, treatment for fleas, ticks and ear mites, products used and overhead. That includes $16 to $17 a day for basic care. Smaller animals cost about half that, she said.
The humane society next year will charge Janesville about $130 per unclaimed animal and about $65 for claimed animals.
An average of 1,441 strays were collected in Janesville each year between 2006 and 2009.
After seven days, the animals become the property of the shelter. They are evaluated and usually are spayed or neutered and often receive more medical care.
"The animal's outcome is not the bottom line for the city to consider at all," Rhodes said. "That's the responsibility that we assume when that animal on the eighth day becomes our property.
"If we have 40 kennels and they're all filled and we're getting in 20 more cats that we know need to be held for the seven days, you can see where the dilemma comes. We try to manage the best we can."
The future
Rhodes and Levitt said they want to work together to meet future needs.
The trend is for governments to build facilities to hold strays for the required seven days. The facilities often are run by humane societies because they have the personnel and expertise. Rhodes noted that the Rock County Humane Society owns several acres on Janesville's west side.
Rhodes said the humane society is weighing its options.
The society, for example, could refuse to accept strays and accept only the number of animals it could afford based on donations.
"We'd be much smaller, and we'd be very different, but we would still be," she said. "But that has never been one of our goals. If we can be a player in providing animal welfare services in Rock County, that's what we want to do."
The city, too, has options, Levitt said. It could contract services or could partner with other municipalities and build a municipal shelter.
Levitt said he hopes cities in the county will work with the humane society on a regional approach.
"I see the humane society as a strong, potential partner," he said.
The facility issues need to be solved, he said, but the city's long-term goals are to control costs and make sure animals are treated with good care.
"It is a basic health and safety issue a city has to deal with," Levitt said.
Nov 10, 2010 at 3:48 p.m.
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Again let me talk about the price of a cat. I think it is $130 now. NOW WAY can you pick a free cat and do all the things they do to it that you SHOULD do at the vet for it's health and safety. Now if you actually paid $300 for a pet then do all the required shots, spay/neuter/rabies. I am not even speaking of the care they get BEFORE you even pick out your animal.
Oh I get it those who pick a free cat out of the paper do not CARE for the animal. FREE- unhealthy and NOT cared for animal.
I got a quote for a kitty who is outside and homeless- I have to assume because the poor thing eats like it is starving.
Neuter-$91
Rabies-$24.50
distemper x2(3 weeks apart)-$22.75
$22.75
check for feline leukemia-to protect my other kitties-
$26.50
That is well over $209- So DONT complain about the prices of a well cared for kitty-
They also have volunteers that give your kitties love. Both of mine have been well adjusted and love people.
Again the chip or declaw isn't in this price.
Also if they are ill they have to be in good health to come home.
My kitty was sick twice and treated FOR FREE before she could come home.
Stool sample $21.50
I forget to get the cost of a chip that is done at humane society.
You cat may already be declawed- yes I am cruel.
I will leave that out of the cost-
Nov 10, 2010 at 1:44 p.m.
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I don't like naming names or copying and pasting but here goes: Community, Nov 8, 2010 at 11:21 a.m., what is with that comment? (You have the wrong screenname by the way) You sound like a politician. Ms. Rhodes is trying and has been trying to figure out an almost impossible solution for us, as a community, you almost sound as if you are placing her up right beside our president. MikeF, NO that building is not suitable for all the animals the ONE humane society in Rock County can handle. And maybe the phrase "rainy day fund" was out of context, I don't know, but they do need ALL of the COMMUNITY to help out. 1924Grant, cut paid workers? WHAT? They get paid a whole whopping 8 dollars an hour to risk their lives, yes, risk their lives. Cat bites, dog bites and even guns in disputes. Kscmomof2, you paid what everyone else would have paid. As for the disease, now do you realize why they need more money? Bigger shelter, more qualified workers, newer medical equipment, etc. Mr. Hurley, thank you for clarifying all the questions. All theses horror stories about the RCHS in the past were handled the wrong way by the previous director. We as a community need to pitch in and quit bickering about it. I do not even own an animal and feel strongly about this. Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Hurley are trying their best to straighten out what the last director left and to move forward. They are bluntly telling us, as a whole, what they need or else we will have no humane society.
Nov 9, 2010 at 7:56 p.m.
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It seems that with all of the rumor, innuendo, and negative comments...the RCHS could do a world of good for themselves and the public if they would have a section on a website to answer each and every one of these questions.
I would be willing to bet that as each myth is repudiated, the donations would increase.
Please give it serious consideration.
Nov 9, 2010 at 3:13 p.m.
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1924Grant - I do have a soon to be ex-wife, whom I met at R.C.H.S and later married. You have stated this before to what goal?
Your questions remind me of a story.
While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
The old man smiled, and said, “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”
I'm placing starfish back, what are you doing?
Nov 9, 2010 at 1:39 p.m.
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If it were a true animal rescue, hurleyj would find himself out of work, he holds a paid position as do members of his family. It's the volunteers that really make that place run, the people who care about the animals, not a paycheck. Would you be there if it involved nothing more than heart and caring? Doubt it.
Nov 9, 2010 at 1:34 p.m.
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moving3ways
I understand where you are comming from. Several years ago I had a brother in law who was becoming homeless. He moved into the House of Mercy shelter with his son. they had a dog. I tried to turn it in to the RCHS, they refused to take it. I could not have it as I already had the limit for our township, still they refused. I walked out and said well when it is on the street as a stray, here is the owners name and he is staying at the homeless shelter. They told me I would be fined if that happened huh???? not my dog, I returned it to the owner...Beautiful purebred husky, would have loved to have had that dog but just couldn't.
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Guess he must have released it,maybe he found a last minute home for it... but would not tell me for sure so I could not be responsible for HIS actions, he actually hoped the cops would come so he could tell them what the RCHS did...
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Even if they had to put the dog down it would have been better for them to take it than let it run the streets and A) bite someone B) get hit by a car or C) die of starvation.
but no RCHS would do NOTHING !
Nov 9, 2010 at 1:08 p.m.
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The new red van, 2 vehicles were traded in on. The dealership paid for all the graphics and the vehicle was reduced well below MSRP. Thank you, again, Gordie Boucher.
We still have a number of fundraiser's the next will be Saturday Dec. 4th 10-3 at K&W Greenery, Holiday Portraits. We have even recently had new ones. Join our Facebook page or visit our website www.rockcountyhumanesociety.com for information if you can.
The facility has been at maximum capacity for several years, built in 1976 and an addition in 1996. Architects have looked at the building, and made recommendations. Consultants before Ms. Rhodes arrived said contracts needed to be increased. The contracts did not expire until this year.
It is a community issue that needs a community solution. The contracts for the larger municipalities were multiple year contracts and increases were asked for then, and negotiated. 3 years ago Rock County, Wisconsin, the U.S.A was in a vastly different economic climate.
If R.C.H.S had to depend on donations we would be smaller than we are now. We would be a non-profit animal rescue. That would provide shelter and care for unwanted or homeless animals. That could be evaluated and placed up for adoption, not have to be held for 7 days as a stray, as state law dictates. We would also not be contractual obligated to take biter animals, vicious dogs, and feral cats, that cannot mostly be placed for adoption. We would also be able to work with Community Cat to provide more low cost spay and neuters for dogs and cats.
We have to make appointments and delay taking owned animals due to the fact that, 90% of the animals we receive are stray animals we are under contract to hold for 7 days. With our capacity and the volume of animals coming in every day we can only take unwanted or owned animals owners can no longer care for when we have room to house both.
If we have no room, we would have to euthanize an animal to make room for a new animal. The new animal has no inalienable right to displace the animal we are already caring for. We try to redeem, transfer, or adopt all the animals we have as quickly as we can to make room for more. The animal owner is generally dealing with 1 or 2 animals. We are dealing with over 300 animals on average, that we are also trying to place.
With the new Puppy Mill Law the Humane Society will have dramatically increased costs to comply with and be able to still function as it does today. And every penny will be used responsibly to achieve this in the coming year.
Nov 9, 2010 at 12:32 p.m.
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Working as a Hospice Nurse, I encountered a cat that had not eaten for quite some time (unintentional/unavoidable) due to my declining patient. Knowing that there was no one to care for the animal, I got permission to ask for help form the Humane Society. I was concerned for the animal's health as well as its living arrangement possibilities. I was told that it would be unlikely that they would allow me to leave the cat because I was a willing/able participant and I was told very firmly to make the effort to find a home. With my allergies and resp. issues, it was not an option for me to house this animal.
I truly felt for this animal, however my patient was my number one priority. I heard many arguments why the animal could not be left and they finally accepted it (not before hearing "abandonment of animal" and "responsibility to care").I was not the bad guy. I was merely looking an option other than neglect in a dying woman's home. I have always been an advocate for rescuing animals, however I really can't even step foot in that building because of the way I was treated. Once they did accept the animal, I was able to care for my patient until her passing.
Nov 9, 2010 at 10:54 a.m.
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a shelter crisis! the janesvile school board ought to be able to help with this one!!!!
Nov 9, 2010 at 9:47 a.m.
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For years, RCHS has said its facility is falling apart in some manner. Then I see its new red van, fancy sign, and commercially prepared newsletter and holiday mailing. Isn't building maintenance more important, since it's what protects the animals? If the board isn't happy with its facility, it should start applying for grants and start a capital campaign.
What happened to all its fundraisers run by its army of volunteers? Its quarterly newsletter was done by volunteers and printed for free. Is the Tree of Hope coming back? I don't see as many fundraisers as it used to have.
Ms. Rhodes makes it sounds as if RCHS was doing Beloit and Janesville a huge favor by conceding to another year of coverage. She should realize this is a two-way street. If they (and other Rock Co municipalities) could handle their own strays (which they can't right now, so they're stuck), RCHS would have to live on donations alone. What then?
If RCHS has been running in the red for so long, it should've been asking for higher contract fees all along, doing it in increments, rather than insisting on one huge increase in this poor economy.
All the players must take responsibility for this mess we're in. Too many see animals as disposable. Too many buy overpriced puppy mill pets at a store rather than adopt a homeless pet. Too many don't have a clue about the responsibilities of pet ownership. Too many think it's all someone else's problem, whether it's someone dumping their dog on a back country road for the local farmer to feed, or feeling government contracts should feed their wish list.
And when I give $100 to the humane society, I expect only part of it to be used to find an animal a home. I expect much of it to be used -- responsibly -- for food, vet care, utilities, wages, insurance, etc.
Nov 9, 2010 at 6:45 a.m.
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A few facts:
The title "Rock County Humane Society" is just an arbitrary name and does not denote connection the City/County government or to the US Humane Society. Could have been anything-they are a private rescue; name was chosen many years ago.
The price the various cities and townships have paid for contracts has been grossly inadequate for a number of years- seems to me the HS is being criticized unfairly on both sides-why are you raising your rates so unfairly in the one hand; why didn't you do it years ago on the other? The fact is that the current administration looked at it and realized things had to change.
A very large number of animals are not reclaimed by owners, leaving the total expense of care after the 7 day hold entirely up to the shelter. They may stay one additional day or one additional year. Cats are the real issue.
If the building were not deteriorating, much of this would likely not be such an issue. The HS could continue as a small private shelter and make some building improvements. The cities have an ordinance requiring animal control that requires a building to house them in. If private donations are inadequate to improve/enlarge or build a new facility, why should the cities not be responsible for it? The Puppy Mill bill will have a significant effect on the future of the shelter; there is strict criteria that the building currently does not meet.
Yes, their mission is humane care for animals and finding a home for adoptable animals, but there is a limit to what they can do. Some people seem to think that they are obligated to take in every single animal in the county, no questions asked, despite cage space or cash donations. I would like to hear your ideas on how to house 500 animals in 200 cages, pay for the heating/cooling bill of $4000 a month on $500, etc, etc. There is a limit to what they can do-I'm sure they would save them all if they could but unfortunately it's not possible.
Nov 9, 2010 at 2:08 a.m.
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The underlying story, that no one wants to ask is, "Why was there $2000 at the RCHS, and who would think/know that it was there?"
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:23 p.m.
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flivver, thank you, I stand partially corrected. Its been 20 some years since we had cats. I forgot all about the virus issues with felines. Thank you for mentioning it!
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:45 p.m.
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I haven't yet heard of any large colonies of ferals within the city limits, but have known them to be at farms quite often. There's a program in Dane County that will do spay/nuetering for $20 per feline. but it's not just the expense. At only 5 at a time, a weekly visit to Middleton with the event of captuing them in pet carriers is no small undertaking if you have 5 carriers lying around. I imagine it could be a business expense, couldn't it? But they are still there, just not multiplying, PLUS you have to keep watch for new ones comming into the fold from yet another idiot trying to save money and hassle. And incedentally, TnR p[rograms DO work. Once controlled, ther population very dramatically declines. Plus if it's an inhome pet, females wont howl about so much and males will stop spraying your place with ammonia-stench. ;) Not to mention healthier and therefore less possible vet expense.
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:24 p.m.
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I stand partially corrected. But keeping current on vaccines is still important for protection, no matter what the odds are, in my opinion.
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:18 p.m.
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most cats carry viruses at all times...upwards of 70% or greater. vaccinations don't cover all viruses and many lay dormant (much like the human herpes virus) and are brought out by stress...which explains why cats "get" sick in shelters across the country despite being vaccinated upon intake...they were already carrying the viruses when they came in and break with illness due to the stress. antibiotics only treat secondary bacterial infections...not viruses...only the cat's immune system can rally against them...in a nice, stress-free home setting this isn't so bad...in a crowded shelter it can be impossible despite the best of care.
Nov 8, 2010 at 6:34 p.m.
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StormChaser, NOT necessarily true... ANY place where you have an overabundance of living "things" in close quarters, the transference of bacteria is rampant. Look at hospitals, nursing homes, etc... its the same thing.
Feline vaccinations were not the issue for kscmomof2's cat. I believe it was probably an issue with other bacterial infections which present in close quarters.
Nov 8, 2010 at 6:20 p.m.
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kscmomof2: If your cat had been properly vaccinated in the first place, it would not have gotten sick. Blaming the shelter for the cat getting ill and not having current protection is like blaming the grocery store for spoiled meat you left in the fridge too long.
Nov 8, 2010 at 5:22 p.m.
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zdog, our dog was 14 when we had to put her down this last May. I also never paid for the "license". Only ONCE, in those 14 years did she manage to get picked up by someone who took her to the city. When we picked her up, we were told to get her city tag. We didn't. She was always up to date with all her shots and was kenneled during the day and in the house with us, once we got home.
Just another unnecessary "tax" as far as I was concerned.
Nov 8, 2010 at 3:17 p.m.
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"Animal control keeps getting mixed up with our mission."
Check out RCHS web site. At the top of the page it states A Safe And Loving Home For Every Adoptable Amimal And Humane Treatment For All.
Under the mission statement the #1 is Provide shelter and care for homeless animals.#4 is lower the number of unwanted animals in the community.
They also tell you on the web site if you have questions about stray animals running at large, contact your local police.
If RCHS goes and picks up an animal or the police bring an animal in doesn't that mean it's homeless until the owners can be found or it can be adopted?
Nov 8, 2010 at 3:10 p.m.
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Wow! My cat just spent 2 days at the shelter after getting her collar off and being picked up a block away by my neighbors. I paid the Humane Society $80 and got a 'voucher' to give me a discount on getting her her shots within 3 days. Of course, the vet couldnt get me in until the next week which by then a virus (obtained at the humane society according to my vet)kicked in, she was dehydrated and feverish with an upper respiratory infection and I spent another $98 at my vet. If the cities are paying so much money, why the hell did I have to???!!! Oh, and by the way she couldn't get the shots because of the virus, so I get to collect another vet bill in 2 weeks!!!
Nov 8, 2010 at 2:24 p.m.
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Janesville city ordinances state:"In order to reclaim a dog or cat that has been impounded, the owner or possessor must pay the cost of: A. keeping the dog or cat, including, but not limited to, vaccination, food, shelter, medical care and licensing;"
Sounds like the costs are to be paid by the owner when the animal is returned. So who collects this money and where does it go?
Nov 8, 2010 at 2:18 p.m.
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that cat in the photo is not playing,lol,hes trying to escape."hes thinking im going to break outta here,these bars cant hold me"lol
Nov 8, 2010 at 2:06 p.m.
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Maybe they should cut a few of the paid positions, and make them voluntarily run by a board if thier in such "bad financial shape".
Nov 8, 2010 at 2:01 p.m.
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It would be nice if the city allowed responsible pet owners to have a few more pets too. My husband and I were living in Beloit and wanted to adopt a dog, but we already had a dog and some cats. We wrote on our application that we were moving to Janesville and were denied the dog because we were going to be over the limit of animals allowed in the city. In Beloit, I believe you can have three or four dogs and seven cats.. I'm not sure about that though, and in Janesville no more than four animals in a house, and no more than three of one species. The person who called to tell us we were denied did sound disappointed at having to deny us, and I do understand why the law exists because hording is not good for the animals either... but really.. I'm over the limit currently, and while I don't have THAT many animals, I do sometimes worry that I could be reported or something. The thing is, all of my animals are extremely well taken care of, and my house is clean. If I could legally have seven cats (and my husband would tolerate it) I probably would because I'd love to give homeless animals a better life.
Nov 8, 2010 at 1:25 p.m.
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Let's face it, no one part of our government has enough money for anything. I'd like to see the humane society get the money they need but I'd like to see the school district get all the money they need too. We're stuck in a viscious circle that has no end to it. I would guess with this economy that donations have gone down a lot and they are desperate to keep the doors open and running the way it is. I would hope that they can do that some how.
Nov 8, 2010 at 1:14 p.m.
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The graph is innaccurate due to revenues from contracts and fundrasing being lumped together.
The fundraising supplements the stray animal holding and control. Donated money should be used to care for animals until homes are found for them, not for stray-animal control. The revenue is misleading due to Estates or donations that come in unexpectedly and the budget is met.
The humane society has contracted for over 15 years to house stray animals. The facility will only be able to handle this capacity for another year. "Both Janesville and Beloit asked us to please reconsider for at least one more year providing those services. We agreed."
Nov 8, 2010 at 1:07 p.m.
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Actually, the caption on the graph that shows the assets is telling also. Yes, it includes 800K for the building and grounds and 51K in vehicles, but it also says there is about 350K in reserve as a rainy day fund. That rainy day fund is about half a year's worth of operating expenses.
I am not saying that they shouldn't save money for "just in case", but claiming they are in danger of closing because they don't get enough to cover the cost of strays is misleading.
Nov 8, 2010 at 11:56 a.m.
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MikeF - The graph is misleading. It includes all revenue and assets (Building, property and vehicles)
Nov 8, 2010 at 11:38 a.m.
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For everyone who wants a cute little puppy or kitten, THEY GROW UP! I am so sick of people IMPULSIVELY getting puppies or kittens then when they aren't so "cute" anymore, they get rid of them. Couple of months down the road, the cycle repeats. Having a dog or cat is a big, long committment. Think before you ADOPT!
Nov 8, 2010 at 11:34 a.m.
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Is the RCHS a non-profit service agency or is it a business? I find it hard to reconcile the statement "We've always operated at a loss..." and the graphic showing the income and expenses for the last 9 years. From what I see, they have turned a "profit" every year except 2 and both years had "profitable" ones immediately prior. Income has far exceeded expenses since 2001, so where is this crisis coming from?
As for the building being unsuitable for housing strays, shouldn't the board have looked at that before getting into the business of stray animal control? They signed a contract to provide a service and now are saying their facility can't meet the need?
Nov 8, 2010 at 11:21 a.m.
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Given my own observations at the shelter I believe it is time to replace the management. The goals of providing quality animal care, positive day to day operations and a sound budget have not been met. The board has exhibited failed leadership in not providing sufficient oversight to address these problems sooner. Excuses should not be the answer for poor performance. Time for a change before it really is too late!
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:55 a.m.
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:44 a.m.
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Another problem is people not getting their animals fixed because "they had no trouble getting rid of kittens last time".....when you GIVE animals away, you don't know if the "taker" sells them to laboratories to be experimented on, this happens a LOT..You don't want that happening to "your" kittens do you??.........I admit I used to think that way but I see the issue now.....PLEASE GET THOSE ANIMALS FIXED.
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:31 a.m.
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Somebody mentioned the cat in the pic looks mean.
I believe he just wants to be pet and it reaching as far is he can to do so. Maybe you should visit and see the poor kitties who would just like a home to live in VS a cage!
I was going to get one soon but have found somebody is not tending to a kitty that is outside and I will take it in and give it a good home. It is very hungry and thirsty. It drinks out of my pond AND the bird feeder. It slept in the garage last night. I need a check up before I bring him in to protect my other kitties. I am quite sure that would be more than what humane society charges for an animal.
You bet your butt at $100 or ever 130 it is a good deal!!
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
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werpnarly and ehw- Isn't that amazing how some "humane" societies want to DICTATE every aspect of how a pet will be cared for.........like, yah, a farm dog needs a "kennel", hahahahaha....so another dog get the kill shot because they won't let a farmer get a dog from them........SICK.
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:18 a.m.
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not licensing an animal is NOT the problem. It's people that think cats are always cuddly kittens and wont' scratch things or pee outside a litter box, and when they do, they dump them. People that get cats and think oh, kittens are so cute, let's have some so they do, then the kittens breed with each other becuase they didn't have money to ge them fixed or weren't able to seperate and find homes for them and before tehy know it, they're responsible for 30 more cats.
or those that get dogs and dont' interact, train or take care of them, then when they bark, scratch, jump on you, eat shoes and chew up furniture, the dump them.
They think their pet is a money generator so they find some other dog to make puppies with so they can make "big" bucks. Then when it doesn't happen and they have a litter of 10 puppies and two dogs, they dump them.
it has nothing to do with getting a license or not. I never got a license for my dogs or cats. My dogs were very well trained, still are, and the cats never went outside. We've never lost an animal,never surrendered one, never produced one. and my dogs aren't fixed.
It's called responsibility, and people don't seem to have it anymore. quit with the laws. Save the animals you can if you want to put in the time and commitment, if you can't, put them down.
I won't be getting any license any time soon either. It's nobody's business. There's laws for problem makers, i'm not one of them. if I was, then come get me. Until then, none of the laws to make people more repsonsible, have any effect other than on thse that already are.
Nov 8, 2010 at 9:03 a.m.
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RustyRotor: the pet owner is 100% liable for their pets actions. It doesn't matter if your kids left the gate open or if fido digs a hole under the fence or if you kitty runs out the front door. You, as the pet owner, are responsible. The rest of the taxpayers should not have to spend one dime to see your property returned to you. Do you think that is unfair?
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:47 a.m.
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poobah - my cat runs away, gets caught, and I get fined. that doesn't work for me, but what about the other yahoos that would leave the animal because of the fine. If your animal is licensed there should be no problem, it is those who do not license that are the problem.
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:40 a.m.
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I'm suprised they have euthanized that many animals, yet have had pit bulls staying at the shelter for extended periods of time. They just had one that was adopted that had been at the shelter over a year (Diamond). If they had replaced the pit bull with a more adoptable dog, maybe they could have used those funds to save a lot more dogs than just the one.
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:37 a.m.
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Trap neuter/spay and release strays? What makes this in any way a good idea, let alone one that saves money?
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:24 a.m.
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This is a good issue to look into..
This very paper reports that citizens who are cited for not registering their animals are fined a greater dollar amount than many DUI's.. I would hope that the city is sending 100% of this fee to the shelters... I wonder if they are.
Nov 8, 2010 at 8:05 a.m.
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Facts- the humane society in Janesville has NOTHING to do with the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). Most local humane societies are just local volunteers that hate to see what happens to animals when they have the unfortunate experience of being owned by a deadbeat.
They don't share the same policies or the same national agenda of the HSUS and they don't give money or get money from the HSUS. They don't fund anti-hunting bills or anything else.
Might want to check your "facts" again
Nov 8, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
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I live on a farm and we get stray cats weekly hanging around. Many are females and have litters of 6 or more. If we didn't take control of this situation we would be over run with cats. I know every farm has this same problem and needs to take time to control from time to time.
Nov 8, 2010 at 7:41 a.m.
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That's weird, werpknarly. Some humane societies and rescues have a cow if you tell them you plan to tether your dog. They feel dogs should be in crates, kennels, or fenced yards, the end.
Nov 8, 2010 at 7 a.m.
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we live on a farm... we were done with the RCHS when they denied us a dog because it would not be tied up or in a cage when not on a leash..
Nov 8, 2010 at 6:32 a.m.
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Well said, Janesvillean. An ounce of prevention...
Nov 8, 2010 at 6:31 a.m.
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poobah is absolutely correct. Pet owners MUST be responsible for their property (pets). If you want your precious little critter back you should pay for 100% of the actual costs involved with the capture, housing, and neutering of your pet. There is no valid reason why the rest of the taxpaying community should bear the financial burden of irresponsible pet owners.
Nov 8, 2010 at 6:25 a.m.
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Poobah, I agree. If owners are NOT being charged for services rendered, they SHOULD be!
Great point Benneton... The city surely has property that could house more animals. The existing facility is falling down around them (its sinking?)...
Nov 8, 2010 at 2:30 a.m.
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You hit that one on the head janesvillean. TnR programs are the way to go. I'd fund one if I hit the lotto to be sure.
Nov 8, 2010 at 12:09 a.m.
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Maybe if the humane society spent less money on pushing anti hunting bills they would have money to fund themselves. This is one of the most anti hunting groups in America. And they spend millions every year to lobby anti hunting bills. Shoot the damn strays problem solved.
Nov 7, 2010 at 11:54 p.m.
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I know nobody listens to sensible ideas in this day and age, but the city and other communities could put some of these resources into a spay and neuter program (and for strays, trap neuter and release) that would in time cut down on the very problem they're spending money to solve.
Nov 7, 2010 at 11:34 p.m.
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the problem that will come of all this is that the stray cat population will end up exploding. already we have communities that are overrun with strays people drop off. if 1 cat breeds thier are at least 4- 7 more cats if 3 of them are female within a year thier will be 21 more cats from this 1 cat its mind boggling. All the disease that goes with them and the fleas, it makes it unsafe for a pet that is cared for to even go outside. Something needs to be done we cant afford to loose the place that can handle the strays and find them homes. The City of Beloit and Janesville and Town of Rock need to help find a solution that would benefit ALL.
Nov 7, 2010 at 7:13 p.m.
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"number of animals euthanized is depressing"............yup, and thats only from ONE shelter out of thousands across the USA.........Numbers of homeless animals killed at shelters every year is waaay beyond obscene....
.....
Adopt, DON'T breed or buy!!!
Nov 7, 2010 at 6:29 p.m.
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"The humane society next year will charge Janesville about $130 per unclaimed animal and about $65 for claimed animals."
Why is the city being charged for animals that are claimed by their owners? Costs should be covered ENTIRELY by the owner -- along with a fine that could help offset other humane society costs for unclaimed animals.
Nov 7, 2010 at 5:18 p.m.
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Wow, that graphic with the number of animals euthanized each year is depressing. I often dream of winning the lottery and making sure the RCHS gets a new facility and is taken care of forever.
Nov 7, 2010 at 5:03 p.m.
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Why build? There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial properties sitting empty in the general vicinity of Janesville. Heck the city/county prolly even owns a few of 'em.
Nov 7, 2010 at 4:22 p.m.
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Every community and the county should get together, and build a central animal control building, then contract with the Humane Society to run it.
Nov 7, 2010 at 4:05 p.m.
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That cat should be the new Puss N' Boots for Shrek. What a cool action shot! Love him!
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