MEDIA ALERT

Animals in Jeopardy as Humane Society Struggles to Survive

Humane Society of Dickson County Reduces Operating Hours in Face of Cash Crunch as Community, City and County Support Falls Short of Needs

August 23, 2004, Dickson, Tennessee -- Imagine the staff, food, veterinary services and supplies you would need if you owned not one or two family pets, but over 4,000. That is the level of resources required to sustain The Humane Society of Dickson County (HSDC), which cares for more than 300 animals per month, nearly 4,000 per year. Unfortunately, in 2004, the Humane Society has not received sufficient community financial support to care for the county's animals. Starting next week, HSDC will be reducing its operating hours in attempt to conserve funds and prevent outright closure.

"We exist to serve Dickson County, but without the community's support, we won't exist much longer. We need monthly pledges from area citizens and businesses to make ends meet. Reducing our operating hours will only keep us afloat for another few weeks without an outpouring of assistance from Dickson County and beyond," asserts Lacey Powlas Nelson, executive director of HSDC. "I believe the generous people of Dickson County will step up to the plate and help us keep our doors open. This is our cry for help -- I am confident that you will hear us and respond."

A Disturbing Trend in Tennessee

Nearly a half-dozen humane societies in Tennessee have closed their doors in the past year, including Monroe County Humane Society just this month, due to a lack of consistent funding. Middle Tennessee has also seen a number of horrific animal cruelty cases, several of which made national news. Who could forget the appalling Gizmo "football kick" murder or the recent execution of a dog by barbeque? HSDC itself was heartbroken last month by the theft of a pit bull, Spike, who was stolen from its facility for the purposes of dog fighting. Without community education by organizations like the Humane Society, these instances of predatory behavior on the weak and voiceless are certain to continue.

To fulfill its mission to protect animals and educate citizens, HSDC vows to fight for its survival, just as it fights for the survival and rights of voiceless animals. But it needs your immediate support to keep saving lives and fighting animal cruelty for years to come.

The Humane Society Performs a Vital Function

The Humane Society of Dickson County cares for homeless animals, provides low-cost spay/neuter services to reduce strays, overpopulation and disease; provides educational services, and lastly, but perhaps most importantly, assists law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting cases of animal abuse. The Humane Society of Dickson County receives minimal government support -- only 5% of its operating budget comes from Dickson County government, and it receives no funding whatsoever from any city governments -- thus it must rely on the kindness of Middle Tennesseans to survive.

"Without HSDC, nearly all of the abandoned and abused animals in our county would be euthanized -- hundreds of dogs and cats would face an undeserved, yet certain, death sentence. The Humane Society gives every pet a second chance at life," says Channing Rollo, an HSDC board member and Dickson County resident.

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