To avoid staying out of the red, a local animal shelter is again asking for the public’s help.
The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society needs up to $400,000 every year to keep its doors open. Right now, it’s only bringing in around $150,000.
Executive director Glen Wilson said while the shelter has cash on hand to keep going, it might not in the coming months unless more people start giving.
“The public has been fantastic so far but we just need more funding,” he said.
Costs continue to rise while the shelter has seen a decrease in the number of donations in the past six months. The society isn’t in the dire state it was in 2011. Back then it faced a $180,000 deficit and officials believed they would be shutting their doors for good by 2012.
While pessimistic they could rebound, Humane Society officials went public with their financial situation in November. a dramatic show of public support meant that by late December the Humane Society was again making long-term plans.
Wilson said by asking for help now, he’s hoping to dodge a repeat of 2011 and avoid taking any drastic measures.
Staffing is at a minimum and the shelter is looking for volunteers to help with everything from pet care to maintenance.
But dwindling funds isn’t the Humane Society’s only problem right now. The local facility has more cats than it can manage.
With more than 120 cats right now, every inch of the Rosslyn Road shelter is taken up by homeless felines. For the month of June the society is giving away cats for donations.
“Our cat population is exploding,” Wilson said. “It’s the time of year.”
