The Results from the Animal Welfare Committee Meeting and FOLCA Successes

On Monday, April 7th, the Lawrence County Animal Welfare Committee met for an update from FOLCA on the spray/neuter program and a report from the animal shelter. FOLCA members shared with the committee a PowerPoint detailing the success they have had and the improvements they need to continue to make a difference in the community. At there first annual event, An Evening at Soulshine Farm, the shelter raised over $27,000 to pay for shelter play yards. Plans are underway for a second event in September with proceeds going towards paying for an intact and quarantine building that is a 12-bay climate-controlled structure for $45,000. The shelter launched their first educational class, read to over 625 Lawrence County children, partnered with CASA PAWS, and formed an Educational Committee to visit all elementary schools in Lawrence County. The shelter launched a community sponsored ‘Lawrence County Animal Hour’ on WLX and WDXE which is a weekly program featuring the Doggie House Shelter to educate listeners about spray/neuter, feature shelter dogs, promote adoption events, discuss laws regarding animals, and more. FOLCA asked for an additional $10,000 in funding for the fiscal year for 2025-2026 which the committee did approve at the meeting. The next step is the approval from the Budget Committee and then the Commission as a whole.