LANSING, Kan. (KCTV) – A Kansas animal shelter continues to move forward through uncertain times after leadership believed they would have to close its doors.
Leavenworth County Humane Society, Inc. announced on Friday, April 11, that thanks to overwhelming community support, it will continue to serve local pets.
“Whatever you may have heard, whatever so and so said, whatever you may have seen on social, if you want to know what’s going on with LCHS, Inc., just ask us,” said LCHS, Inc.’s Executive Director Crystal Swann Blackdeer. “That’s the only way to get the real no cap truth. We’ve heard some pretty astounding nonsense, un-truths, speculation and rumors. Most are well-intended, just uninformed. It’s okay!
On Feb. 5, organization leadership said they could not see a way forward as 34 dogs filled the shelter with more than twice as many cats. To care for them was not only exhausting for volunteers and employees but also expensive.
When the leadership announced they believed the only option was to close, community members and donors responded in an amazing way. From words of encouragement, to small and large sum donations, members are extremely grateful.
Shelter staff also noted that colleagues from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, Great Plains SPCA and Midwest Animal ResQ helped throughout the ordeal as they took on dozens of dogs and cats. Only one pet transferred continues to await adoption as of April 11.
As the shelter moves forward, officials said it is essential to maintain those partnerships and create new ones to allow for the transfer of pets to like-minded shelters and rescues. Meanwhile, LCHS, Inc. continues to fulfill contracts with both the cities of Basehor and Lansing.
Leaders noted that the contract between Riverview Rescue and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office only provides for the impound of shelter pets connected to law enforcement cases. That leaves hundreds of pets in the county with no certain safe place to be until claimed by owners or adopted to new homes.
As the shelter continues to look longer, it said smart financially inclined minds continue to go over the numbers for additional efficiencies and sources of income.
“We are focused on what’s reasonable to expect and what’s backed by data,” Swann Blackdeer said. “We’re not discounting hope and faith and the generosity of those who care, but those are hard to hand to funders, creditors and the bank.”
LCHS said it continues to explore ways to care for innocent pets found in areas where the Sheriff’s Office is the animal control authority.
The humane society board is expected to meet soon to discuss a way forward. While staff members are not completely sure what will happen next, they want the community to know they have not quit.
“This note is long, but the short message is LCHS, Inc. is still here; we’re still saving lives and changing them for the better. The team (staff AND volunteer) is working so so hard to make sure we can keep doing what we do. The dogs and cats and the people who love them need us. We cannot do it alone,” Swann Blackdeer concluded.
For more information about LCHS, Inc., click HERE.
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