The Humane Society of Parkersburg is batting a thousand. Since March
of last year, they have placed over a thousand animals through rescue
societies. Most animals are sent to the North Eastern part of the
US, because strictly enforced spay and neuter policies keep pet populations
low. Volunteers drive to Hagerstown to meet the various Rescue representatives.
Every major dog breed has a rescue society, and many will also accept
mixes of their special breed. Kittens and cats are also part of the
rescue program.
To contribute to the continued life saving success of the program,
Larry Simmons of Larry Simmons Toyota donated a Toyota van for the
weekly pet express. Dwight and Carol Orr, who are active shelter volunteers
and often make the Hagerstown run themselves have donated a second
van for transporting homeless pets to their second chance. Cindy Mowery
says, “There are homes for abandoned animals in other places
– if we can get them there.” Now that they have the vans,
drivers are essential. Volunteers willing to make one or more of the
weekly trips to Hagerstown should contact Cindy at the shelter.
The Humane Society is also happy to accept donations of used cars.
Cindy says,” We accept a used car and provide the owner with
a tax-deductible receipt for its high book value. We sell it and pay
the registration, and the money goes to help our rescue efforts.”
Owners of an Ltd with 35,000 miles and a Chevy Blazer were recently
given receipts for the $4000 book value of their vehicles. The cars
sold for $2500. “Everyone in the transaction wins and animals
get new homes.”
The shelter took in 56 animals in just one day this week and there
is no room at the inn. Foster homes are needed for animals waiting
to make the Hagerstown trip which will open up space for the ones
that aren’t anybody’s special breed..
June is official adopt a cat month, and the Kanawha/Charleston Humane
Association has taken in plenty of kitties that would be glad to pounce
on the opportunity for a new family. No experience is required. A
special “capital” adoption at the WV State House will
be held on June 19. The rain date is July 3.
Donations have made a big splash at the Charleston shelter lately.
Jerry Lowe, President of AOS Lanier, delighted staff when he exchanged
their 10 year old copier for a new one. The Rollaround, a web-based
community bulletin board sponsored by GTR radiographic systems in
Gassaway, donated over 750 lbs. of food for the shelter last month
and is featuring shelter pets on their website (therollaround.com).
In other good news, thanks to good music, an enthusiastic DJ, belly
dancers, a silent auction, ticket sales and donations, the annual
Fur Ball, raised over $10,000.
Looking for love? Visit www.hsop.org
or www.wvanimalshelter.com
The Humane Society of Parkersburg, at the corner of 29th and Poplar
off Murdoch Avenue, is open Monday through Friday from 10-5 and Saturday
from 10-4. Ph. 304-422-5541.
The Kanawha/Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbriar Street,
is open 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday from 12-6 and on Sunday
12-5. Ph. 304-342-1576
Good News from the Legislature
• The WV State Legislature passed SB 205, a law making cruelty
to animals a felony charge. Hurray for a law with teeth!
• More good news is the passage of HB 2301 making it mandatory
for anyone who is charged with cruelty to animals to post a bond to
cover the cost of the animal’s care.
• Also passed was HB 2753, which changed animal fighting from
a misdemeanor to a felony. An exception was made for cock fighting
which remains a misdemeanor.
