photo by File

The Shelby County Humane Society has received expert advice and financial assistance from the ASPCA this year, leading to lower numbers of stray animals being euthanized.

ASPCA support a huge help for Shelby Humane

By Amy Jones (Contact) | Shelby County Reporter

Originally published 05:29 p.m., November 14, 2009
Updated 10:00 a.m., November 16, 2009

COLUMBIANA — The Shelby County Humane Society has made huge strides since being named a Mission Orange community in March by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said Humane Society Executive Director Ronda Steciuk.

The Mission Orange program works to reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters. Sacramento, Calif. was the other Mission Orange program to be selected this year.

Steciuk said working with the ASPCA has led to incredible benefits, both financial and informational.

"Even this year, since being named a Mission Orange community, we have received an incredible amount of expert support," she said.

The Humane Society is currently focused on increasing awareness of two programs: the Quick Fix spay and neuter program and the microchipping program.

"The biggest thing we're doing is our spay and neuter program, which is going on two years now. We've done more than 2,000 cats and dogs so far. We know from all other areas of the country that (spaying and neutering) is the number one way to help," she said.

Steciuk said the microchipping program is the best way to make sure a lost pet goes home safely.

"We're always out there educating people about microchipping. A microchipped pet pretty much goes home, sometimes within hours," she said. "Sometimes the owner doesn't know the pet's missing until we call. We know that is pretty much the only way to permanently identify your pet."

The shelter has implemented a "pay what you can, if you can" program to help low-income residents have their pets microchipped, Steciuk said.

In January, the Humane Society's partnership with the ASPCA will lead to a more tangible benefit: renovations to better utilize the shelter's available space.

The shelter also recently received an ASPCA $11,000 grant intended to help spay and neuter cats and kittens in the Calera area.

"Cats and kittens are the most at-risk group in Shelby County," Steciuk said. "Thousands are euthanized each year."

Yet, the shelter's numbers are steadily improving. In 2008, Shelby Humane took in 7,064 total animals and euthanized 4,211. In 2009 so far, the shelter has taken in 4,975 animals and euthanized 2,720.

That reduction in animal intake leads to hope for the future, Steciuk said.

"I came here in July 2006, and the difference between then and now is drastic," she said. "Most of that (improvement) has definitely been within the last six months."

The Mission Orange program lasts two to five years, so the Humane Society will have the ASPCA's help at least through 2010. For more information on the Mission Orange program or to have your pet spayed, neutered or microchipped, call Shelby Humane at 669-3916 or visit Shelbyhumane.org.

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