[Steve Fowler]

Steve Fowler

April 9, 2024 at 9:27 am #539

Prepared By Kim Dodson

A meeting was held Tuesday, March 12 2024 with the purpose of sharing information and ideas and determining interest in forming an organization known as Fayette Friends of the Animal Shelter.

Vicki Fowler began the meeting by stating the goal of the FOTAS as “Assisting the shelter in any way possible”. She introduced special guests Phil Holliman- Animal Shelter Director, Brad Cox – County Commissioner and Brook Slatten – Fayette County Administrator.

Steve Fowler briefly explained his plan to make the Animal Shelter’s website easier to access and navigate. The website will include photos of the animals available for adoption. He will

also build upon the current Facebook page. He reminded us to “Share” Facebook posts rather than only “liking” as “Sharing” makes the post available to others.

Animal Shelter Director Phil Holliman was asked what the Shelter’s current most pressing needs are. He stated they are:

·         Adoptions

·         Getting adopted animals spayed/neutered. The shelter currently has a free spay/neuter program through a grant. This program makes spay/neuter free to all who adopt from the shelter. Dr. Meredith Newton provides the service for cats and Dr. Will Kimbrell for dogs.

·         Treats for all Shelter Animals.

Break Out Groups were asked to determine what attendees feel is/are the most important things FOTAS should work to provide the shelter.

One table felt “hands-on”

help with the animals is the most important along with whatever Phil needs us to do. Phil responded that possibly volunteers could come to the shelter during specified morning hours during the week to walk/play-with and provide “hands on” help with the animals. He said a Release of Liability form would be required to be signed by all volunteers interacting directly with the animals.

Another table group felt that grants, “hands on” volunteers and volunteer recruitment were the Shelter’s biggest needs.  Phil Hollimans’s table didn’t report a #1 need but said any help available would be appreciated.  Another table group felt that “hands on” help is the greatest shelter need.

Phil stated that he will continue having a “Pet of the Week” photo in the local paper each week; adoption day will continue to be held yearly at Tractor Supply; there will continue to be a Shelter booth at the County Fair and animals will continue to be posted on the Shelter’s Facebook page.

A “Go-Fund-Me” account was suggested as a fund raiser.

Jerry Thomason asked if the shelter currently has a foster program. Phil responded that there was a foster program at one time but said there was a problem with people who fostered

keeping puppies past the age most people wanted to adopt.  It was mentioned that foster homes might be helpful for older animals as well as puppies.  Jerry spoke of the great need for more help with stray unneutered /unspayed animals. He said that there are frequently stray animals in the area where he lives despite the Shelter doing all it can.  He said he has helped one mama dog with several litters of puppies and is looking for homes for her current litter of eight.

The fact that Fayette’s Shelter is not a “no-kill” was discussed. It was explained that Fayette’s Shelter has a capacity of 45-50 animals and that in order to take new ones and keep from being too overcrowded, some, deemed less adoptable, must be put down. It was noted that surrounding counties Marion, Winston and Lamar have no shelters but that animals from those counties sometimes wind up at the Fayette Shelter.

Someone suggested that the Shelter charge owners of lost animals who wind up at the Shelter room and board for the time they are there waiting to be reclaimed.

The possibility of transporting some animals to other states and the issues and costs related to that was discussed.

The meeting ended with plans to meet again April 9,2024 at 5:30 in the same room at the Fayette Civic Center. Plans are to elect officers and hold further discussion.

Respectfully submitted, Laurie Newman

[Author]

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