During the month of August, 108 dogs and cats were euthanized by Animal Services in Sumter County.
“This figure is unacceptable to me as a resident of Sumter County, Florida when there are dozens of communities representing roughly 500 towns and cities across the U.S. saving better than 90 percent of the animals at their open admission animal services. There is quite simply no excuse for Sumter County not to do the same,” Webster resident Karen Taylor told Sumter County Commissioners during their monthly meeting Sept. 23 at Colony Cottage Recreation Center.
However, Animal Services is a government agency tasked with controlling animal population in the county.
Animal Services has the responsibility to collect strays and vicious dogs in a county where neutering and spaying still has a long way to go.
Euthanizing is a grim part of the job.
Sam, a one-eyed dog, wound up at Animal Services, but is now housed in a clean, comfortable kennel at the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County Inc.
He is available for adoption.
The Humane Society works with Animal Services to try to find homes for dogs and cats.
Sam’s journey began at Animal Services where he was held for the standard seven business days. During the holding period his owner had the opportunity to reclaim him. Nobody came.
So the Humane Society took Sam in at their facility.
The hope is that Sam, a quiet, good-natured dog will be adopted. But with only one eye, it could be tough in a designer-dog world that emphasizes pedigree and beauty.
If a potential “forever home” steps forward, the adopter has to go through several steps.
“We don’t do same-day adoptions,” said Villager Bill Gottschalk, chairman of the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County.
That’s a policy to benefit the dog and the adopter, he said.
Same-day adoptions can result in buyer’s remorse or the animal winding up in a home that might not be suitable.
Those wishing to adopt must fill out forms with references and veterinarian information.
And the adopters must agree to have the animal spayed or neutered.
“We want to get these animals into loving homes,” Gottshalk said.
The Village of Mallory resident has two adopted dogs at home.
When he put down his dog a few years, like so many he said, “no more.”
But he adopted “Mojo,” a then-scruffy dog, from the Humane Society. During the adoption process, he decided to get involved with the Humane Society. Since that early introduction, he has overseen a transformation of the 5-acre site in Lake Panasoffkee.
“It was in pretty rough shape,” he said.
Kitty Kottage provides a clean, air-conditioned home for cats. A sun porch provides the lazy cats a place to lounge during the day.
“We realize that these cats may not be going anywhere,” Gottschalk said. “They love it here.”
The facility has room for 20 dogs who spend the days out in runs and the nights (and nap time) in the in-door kennel.
A washer and dryer outside their kennel runs almost non-stop. Clean towels and bedding are stacked high in the laundry area.
The Humane Society has also accepted and adopted out horses, pigs, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds.
In 2013, the Humane Society adopted out 197 animals. That was up from 129 adoptions in 2012.
“We want to continue to push that number higher,” he said.
If one-eyed Sam is not adopted, he will live out his days at the Humane Society.
Those who want to help save animals in Sumter County can do so in many ways:
• Adopt.
• Volunteer.
• Donate. Not just money, but towels, detergent and pet food are items the Humane Society can use.
You can learn more at the link below:
