Concerned citizens push for a Union County humane society

This article marks the beginning of a new weekly Pet of the Week feature. New Albany and Union County homes will have a chance to adopt an animal that needs a forever home. Union County Humane Society, a grass roots movement, is taking steps to improve the outlook for homeless pets in Union County. Emilee Bennett is overseeing a fostering program for the pets who need a home and NAnewsweb will feature one of those pets each week in an effort to assist. Readers will be able to access information on these pets anytime through our website.

A group of concerned citizens in Union County have begun the process to develop a Humane Society. Almost 5000 citizens of New Albany and Union County have signed a petition to develop this organization. The purpose of the petition is to show local government officials how many people are interested in caring for our animals in a humane, respectful way. In order to properly fund a Humane Society, the organization must have support from local government.

Adopt me, please

Thanks to private donations, Union County Humane Society has just reached non-profit status. That is the first step in the process of developing this organization. Help is very much needed for this endeavor to continue. Currently, UCHS must operate on a foster only basis. Responsible caretakers accept animals into their home and care for them until a proper adoption can take place. Emilee Bennett, president of UCHS, currently manages this foster-based program. She also has developed a Board of Directors to help with the legal and organizational matters that come up.

UCHS has already had 23 adoptions, but efforts are limited without dedicated fosters. The organization also has 13 other animals at the moment being cared for by 5 fosters. Fosters are given all supplies needed for the animal they take in. Each foster is required to fill out a foster application prior to becoming an official UCHS foster. Funding is still needed to properly vaccinate animals, provide medication and flea/tick/heart worm prevention, spay and neuter animals, care for wounded and abused animals, and provide food and other supplies needed for pets. There are currently several kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs looking for homes through UCHS. A percentage of the money earned is also being put into a building fund for the future.

Take me home

Donations (supplies like beds, blankets, litter, towels, etc.) can be dropped off at Union County Fairgrounds Extension Office
between the hours of 8-5 on weekdays. To help fund the organization, you can click the donate button at the top of the Facebook page “Union County MS Needs a Humane Society”. “We are currently in need of fosters. Of course, we ultimately
will need land, a building, and funding for the upkeep of our animals” said Emilee Bennet, UCHS President.

If you are interested in helping UCHS, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at “Union County MS needs a Humane Society” or e-mail us at uchsofms@gmail.com to learn more about the organization.