2 days ago
Animal Charity seeks government support to avoid cuts
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – It's been ten months since staff with Animal Charity started moving into their new shelter in Boardman and already there are more than 250 dogs, cats and other animals being housed there.
'We are inundated with animals coming into our facility, and those that need treated for medical issues,' said Jennifer Falvey, board president of Animal Charity of Ohio.
But the problem dates back to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, more than 3,500 animals have been taken in by the agency.
'As the years have gone on, the animals that we're bringing in are in much worse condition and are requiring much more care,' said Jane MacMurchy, with Animal Charity of Ohio.
Directors say they've already spent nearly $500,000 on animal care this year, the vast majority just for veterinary services, compared to $660,000 for all of last year.
'We're in this terrible position where the numbers are rising. The numbers are rising and now we've hit a wall,' MacMurchy said.
It's forcing the agency to consider cuts in services and even layoffs among its staff of about 40 people.
'There is a point in which we have to look at our financial status to say what can we do,' Falvey said.
Although humane agents say the problems of abuse and neglect of animals is only getting worse, they're hoping to avoid one potential option.
'We can't euthanize our way out of this. it's not going to solve the problem,' MacMurchy said.
Many of Ohio's larger cities pay for animal control services. Youngstown does not. Animal Charity has been providing that for them for free for years.
'We are getting to a point where we simply cannot sustain at the level we're going without getting additional support,' Falvey said.
Although directors will continue to appeal to the community for donations and other philanthropy, they say financial support from local governments is what they need the most.
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