Effective Projects Begin with the End in Mind

When you read or hear about “The Shelter,” think, “Aiken County Animal Shelter.”  It is located right next door to the Aiken SPCA on Wire Road.  There is a big beautiful sign at the entrance, donated by a FOTAS member, which belies the fact that the facility tucked out of sight at the end of the gravel driveway is a public embarrassment.

These 5000 square feet on a concrete slab are the sole accommodations for 5,400 unwanted animals in a year, and the employees who work for Aiken County Animal Services must accept them all.

Three years ago more than 95% were euthanized.  As of June 30, 2011, our euthanasia rate was down to 72%.  That’s less than 3,900.  We have accomplished this much progress due to the monumental efforts of a stellar public-private partnership between our FOTAS volunteers, members and Aiken County government.

The heartbreaking reality is that without an adequate facility this may be the best we can do.
 

Of course, extensive affordable spay/neuter is essential to solve this problem.  Numerous ongoing, public and private, educational and subsidy programs are trying to address it from that end.  But, in the mean time, what about the present and foreseeable reality?

Our community shelter was built to house 100 animals more than 20 year ago.  In those same 20 years, Jackson County Oregon, FOTAS’ partnership model, has virtually eliminated the need to euthanize an adoptable pet.  In those same 20 years, shelter management and shelter medicine has made a giant leap forward, because communities realize that their essence is reflected in how they treat their animals.

These innocents, who add so much to so many lives; who are so dependent on us for their well-being, have committed no crime.  They die not because they have failed us, but because we have failed them. 

Studies show that if provided with an adequate shelter environment, community involvement, awareness, and adoptions go up, and intake goes down.

What is a satisfactory shelter environment?  One with adequate space, waste management and healthy air to accommodate requisite length of stay for population demands; one that does not cause the citizens who pay for it to recoil in horror and disgust.  Our shelter is none of the above.  

For a nominal fee this summer, FOTAS retained a nationally recognized shelter expert to do a professional needs-assessment.  Recognizing that funds are severely limited, he evaluated options and made recommendations to County Council.  His report is currently under consideration.

While county government seeks the most efficient and effective ways to fulfill its animal control obligations to the public, FOTAS is stewarding our animal advocacy initiatives. 

It is a good and solid partnership.  While we envision a desirable future for our animals, all our feet are firmly planted in reality.  We are all Aiken County and “The Shelter” is our community shelter.  What we deserve is a healthy, humane, happy environment that one day will never have to euthanize an adoptable pet.  You can help this dream come true.

FOTAS Volunteers work with the AIKEN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, 411 Wire Road.  For more information, contact “info@fotasaiken.org” or visit FOTAS on line at www.fotasaiken.org.

Aiken County Animal Shelter:  “By the Numbers”

For October 3rd thru 9th   

Dogs taken in:  55

Cats taken in:  43

Dogs adopted:  12

Cats adopted:    0

Dogs euthanized:  60

Cats euthanized:   28