The shelter had received about $200,000 from the county in the previous year but the county took over the dog wardens in 2016 — they were partial humane society employees before that.
RELATED: Clark County, Humane Society reach deal to keep lost, stray dogs here
“It’s an adjustment period … We weren’t prepared for what was going to be happening,” Clark County Humane Society Executive Director Roger Ganley said.
Now the shelter has made several changes to continue operations, Ganley said. The shelter is open three days a week instead of four. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Friday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Two full-time employees and two part-time employees have been laid off.
“We’re still doing the best that we can with limited resources,” he said.
The changes have made partnerships within the community more important, he said, like the one the shelter has with Springfield-Clark CTC.
READ MORE: Logan County’s only animal shelter to close
Students in the animal science program volunteer at the shelter two days each week.
“We take care of the animals, we socialize with them, we clean their cages, make sure they have fresh food and water,” CTC senior La’Star Ragland said.
It’s a partnership that helps to prepare students for a career as a vet-tech or veterinarian.
“I just love animals honestly … They should definitely be sheltered and taken care of,” she said.
But the shelter needs more volunteers, Ganley said, if it wants to return to normal hours.
DETAILS: Volunteers step up to fight stray cat problem in Bellefontaine
“We do not want to see this place close just like most of the public does (not),” he said. “But eventually our funding will run out.”
The humane society has increased its fund-raising efforts to remain open, he said, including the paws for a cause program where local businesses ask customers to donate, and a GoFundMe page that accepts donations.
The shelter is also in need of pet food and medical supplies.
Ragland worries what would happen to local animals if the shelter were to close.
“That would honestly break my heart,” she said.
About the Author