The Lynchburg Humane Society is not responsible for the Pet Center facility being built and has no part in the County of Pittsylvania taxes or tax increases. The Lynchburg Humane Society was contracted to run the operations of the new shelter that was built by the County. Donations to the Pittsylvania Pet Center goes to the Lynchburg Humane Society to cover costs associated with operating the shelter for the county, and as a private 501c3 organization, all donations are tax deductible. All monies raised in Pittsylvania County are kept in Pittsylvania County.
We maybe an “outside” organization but we hired local staff members except for the Shelter Manager who lives in Campbell County and the Community Engagement Supervisor who lives in Pittsylvania County but moved here from South Carolina. We are saving and helping your pets in Pittsylvania County. We are working with your local vets to treat your community’s homeless animals that come to the center and we are working with local humane organizations in partnership and providing free/low cost spay/neuter services. This is your Pet Center filled with your community members and your pets.
Over the last 10 months it has become glaringly apparent to us that there is still so much confusion over who is doing what here at the Pet Center and so much anger about the spending associated with the new building. This misinformation has caused many great citizens from getting involved with the Pet Center. The County owns the building and the property and is responsible for those items. The Lynchburg Humane Society is responsible for the operations within the center. Animal Control is a function of the County. There is also a misunderstanding that we are part of/or the same as, the SPCA of Pittsylvania County. We are completely separate organizations. If you give to the Pittsylvania SPCA your money stays with the Pittsylvania SPCA and if you give to the Pittsylvania Pet Center it goes to the Pittsylvania Pet Center, each of whom are providing a valuable service to your area.
We have helped and cared for over 1,800 pets since July 1, 2017. Prior to the new building, the old shelter saw 587 in a 12 month time frame - we are looking at 200% increase in animals coming to the shetler in just 10 months. Plus we are saving 98% of those animals, giving your county pets a chance at a new life or to return to their existing homes.
What we need this community to understand is that Lynchburg being involved and running the center as a no kill facility is not a given, we need help for this to be sustainable and for us to continue our involvement. Yes, we need donations but honestly we also need more than just donations we would love to see more community involvement through volunteering, fostering and adoption.
If you disagree with the county paying what they did for the building, that is not a relevant thought anymore. It is here and it is your Pet Center. The question is, what do you want to do with it?
It would be a real shame if the taxpayers paid for this beautiful new community shelter and then have it revert back to old ways of operating at a higher cost to taxpayers. Would the county treat parvo or ringworm or upper respiratory infections? We believe pets would die that could be easily saved due to financial restraints.
Do you want a beautiful center in your community to do right by your pets and save them? We believe that is what most of the community wants and the only way to make that happen is for you to support us. For information on how to get involved and help go to www.pittsylvaniapetcenter.org and follow us on Facebook and most importantly, donate.
It would be a real shame if the taxpayers paid for this beautiful new community shelter and then have it revert back to old ways of operating at a higher cost to taxpayers. Would the county treat parvo or ringworm or upper respiratory infections? We believe pets would die that could be easily saved due to financial restraints.
Do you want a beautiful center in your community to do right by your pets and save them? We believe that is what most of the community wants and the only way to make that happen is for you to support us. For information on how to get involved and help go to www.pittsylvaniapetcenter.org and follow us on Facebook and most importantly, donate.
I thought the Community engagement supervisor came from South Carolina.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, even though her family is from Pittsylvania County and she is living in Pittsylvania County she would still be seen as someone who was not local since she moved from South Carolina. Thank you, I changed the post.
ReplyDelete