A nonprofit animal shelter is seeking support from Hamilton County to continue offering its services through June. Without increased funding, the Humane Educational Society could be forced to cut spay and neuter services and end indefinite holds on animals, according to shelter leadership.
The shelter has tracked rising operational costs in recent years. It’s also faced unexpected expenses, including tax bills totaling more than $500,000 and a court order to house 19 huskies seized from the Harrison area that cost the shelter over $84,000. It also took in 56 dogs found in Ooltewah.
But some county commissioners said during a Wednesday meeting they had major reservations about raising Hamilton’s contribution, and it’s uncertain whether they’ll vote next week to approve $250,000 in emergency funding for the shelter, which serves the unincorporated parts of Hamilton County, along with Collegedale, Walden, Soddy-Daisy and Signal Mountain.
The shelter also provides animal control services for the unincorporated county and the four municipalities.
EMERGENCY FUNDING