Humane Society trying to find homes for animals

By Scott Wright

CENTRE — The Cherokee County Humane Society has begun an adoption program aimed at finding homes for unwanted dogs and cats.

"We have placed about eight animals in the county in the past two months," said Humane Society volunteer Ethel Sprouse.

Sprouse said the Humane Society is using a network of foster homes for pets awaiting adoption, since the county currently has no animal shelter.

The Cherokee County Commission has discussed plans to either build a shelter or rent space in an shelter under construction in Etowah County, but no final decisions have been made. The county hopes to have an animal control ordinance in place later this year.

Sprouse said the Human Society has pets available for adoption that can be viewed at www.cherokeehumanesociety.com and at www.petfinder.com.

"We're also advertising the dogs and cars in the local papers and on WEIS-AM," Sprouse said. The Post will begin a regular feature in the Jan. 14 edition.

Sprouse said in addition to the adoption program, the Humane Society board members have also raised over $15,000 from grants and other sources that will be used to begin a low-cost spay/neuter program.

"For low-income families, families with less than $20,000 in total income, the cost of the procedure will only be $40," Sprouse said. "The Humane Society pays the rest."

She said applicants can fill out a simple income verification form or have one mailed to them.

The Humane Society also has plans to conduct a free vaccination and worming clinic at some point in the near future.

"We'll announce the date and time later this spring," Sprouse said.

Sprouse said she and the other members of the Humane Society board of directors are grateful to everyone who has volunteered their time to help save and protect animals.

She urged anyone who is looking for a pet to consider adopting a dog or cat from the Humane Society.

"We need your help in placing these animals," she said.

For information about the Humane Society or any of the pets available for adoption, call 927-1540.