Devastating News at the City Shelter

[clara4457]

I have been very incognito lately due to the fight to keep adoptions at the shelter and some personal stuff. (My son got married last weekend) I wanted to give an update on what is happening in the city.

Adoptions will keep going at the shelter for at least 1 year. While one position was cut, it will not stop the adoption program.

The legal beagle adoption drive was not a very big success. Only about 300 additional licenses were garnered with the initiative. Unfortunately, the publicity kind of died down before the actual event happened and many people didn't know about it. I also think it was not a very good weekend to plan it as it was graduation (not to mention wedding) weekend in the area.

Now the good news. There is a group of us that are starting our own non profit organization to serve the companion animals in Buffalo and the surrounding areas. We recently adopted our bylaws and are submitting to a lawyer for approval and filing.

Our immediate goal is to target the massive overpopulation problem in the city and commit to a community outreach program to educate and aid the city residents on proper animal care.

Our long term goal is to open a shelter to take over the adoption program for the city shelter when budget problems force a closing. Although the SPCA does a good job, they have a tendency to forget the needs of the city residents and their animals. In other words, they tend to euthanize pitbulls and rotts as "unadoptable". They currently do not take cats from the shelter as they feel they are "borderline feral". Volunteering at the shelter has taught me that many of these animals would make terrific pets with the right care and socialization. Our fear is that if the SPCA takes over, all the city animals will make up the bulk of the "euthanasia statistics".

If we are not able to take over the shelter, we want to be the "protector" of the city animals to make sure they are properly represented.

I was on the committee that was working on the bylaws, so I have been extremely busy so I haven't been on this site for a while. I am planning on running for one of the board positions of the new organization so wish me luck. Our next meeting is July 13th where we will be voting on board members.

Clara

[mruffruff]

I must commend you on your efforts. It isn't an easy task. It will take a lot of your time and energy but I'm sure you will make a big difference.

I wish you all the luck in the world!

Mary

[lablvr]

Prayers for sure. You need as much help as possible. If I make it to a job i want to work at an animal shelter where you can give dogs and other animals a second chance.