As a member of the Humane Society of Swift County, I need to respond to those who are displeased with our "unregulated grants."
Swift County is a less populated county.
Three Swift County veterinary clinics are used. They know their clients. If there were perceived problems of program abuse, they would inform the HSSC spay-neuter coordinator. Our knowledgeable coordinator relies on many areas of networking entities of which referrals are made to the spay-neuter program. The vets keep a wait-list of qualified clients for referrals when grants are available. We trust our vet clinics' discretion.
Grants have their own guidelines.
The HSSC grant specifies all animals must reside in Swift County and have current and verifiable rabies vaccinations. The honor system used states that "getting their pet neutered would be financially questionable without the grant assistance."
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With a smaller population, networking is a functional tool; you tend to know your neighbors. Obvious signs are knowing who has the mama cat again having another litter by the notices for free and give-away. Call log stats are recorded about unattended animals, feral cats, nuisance calls, animals to give away, lost/found animals and people looking for new family pets.
People are educated through a hands-on spay-neuter program when a physical connection is made. They in turn will educate through conversations and connections. The numbers are there.
An altered pet is a happier, healthier pet, more apt to be disease-free, get wellness check-ups and vaccinations, and less apt to be allowed to run unattended.
Feedback to the Humane Society is 100 percent appreciative by the recipients.
The family lineage that begins with one pair of unaltered female and male cats reaches the millions. More time, effort and money is involved with the unwanted babies of these cats dumped out into the world than it does to stop the cycle by spay and neuter.
The Humane Society of Swift County is a 100 percent volunteer organization.
Those of you reading this, please give your local humane society a call and volunteer. You really are needed.
Joyce Nokleby
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Benson
