BENSON -- Despite the Humane Society of Swift County's introduction of another of its successful spay-neuter programs Nov. 1, the nonprofit group's future still looks bleak as its volunteer numbers have not increased since September.
"Other than getting some more grants for our spay-neuter programs, nothing has really changed for the positive," said Robin Finke, the society's president.
One of those not-so-positive changes was the temporary suspension of the society's animal rescue program.
In late September, Finke said he feared the program would be on the chopping block because the society didn't have enough numbers to perform the task adequately. Finke said in a phone interview Tuesday that his fear materialized as the rescue program was temporarily suspended, and its indefinite suspension could be up for debate during the society's December meeting.
Adding to the rescue program's decline, Finke said one of the main foster care providers of the society decided she needed to take a break from housing abandoned animals. As Finke mentioned in September, the society simply does not have the manpower from its eight to 12 members to provide the service to the entire county nor does it have enough foster families willing to take in abandoned animals.
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For now, the society will focus on its spay-neuter program, thanks to grants from the Benson Area Community Foundation and the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation. According to a society news release, the society has authorized 221 dogs and cats for spay and neuter procedures in past programs.
Yet despite the launch of the spay-neuter program, Finke said the thought of disbanding lingers with members as the society hasn't increased in numbers since September.
"I think it's still kind of in the back of everyone's mind," Finke said. "But we're going to try and, you know, limp along here as long as we can."
Focus will continue to be on the spay-neuter programs, Finke said, but if the money used for the programs runs out, "we may very well disband."
According to Finke, that money could run out sooner rather than later.
"We should be able to get into next year," Finke said. "How far we get into next year, I'm not sure."
The society's spay-neuter program is available to all Swift County residents and covers the entire costs for neutering and spaying pets. The program is intended for pet owners who have difficulty affording such procedures, but there are no income guidelines for eligibility.
The only requirement is that each animal be current on a rabies vaccination. Applications for the program can be found at the Benson, the H&H, and the Appleton veterinary clinics. Applications can also be received by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Humane Society, 211 11th St. N, Benson, MN 56215.
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For more information about the Humane Society of Swift County, visit its Web site at www.swiftcountyhumanesociety.petfinder.com/ . Or to contact the Humane Society of Swift County, call 888-808-3497.
