In this Summer 2008 edition:

• HAWA's 2008 Spay/Neuter Numbers Highest Ever!
• Other Pet Owners Need Even More Help
• Revised Animal Ordinances Pass
• 4 Legged Frolic Event Raised $1,000 for HAWA
• Bad time for pets too: Pet Food Need Increases
• Animal Control Shelter Capacity

HAWA's 2008 Spay/Neuter Numbers Highest Ever!

As of June 30th HAWA has sent 538 dogs and cats to Humane Alliance in Asheville for spay/neuter surgeries. This surpasses all other Jan-June periods since HAWA has been partnering with Humane Alliance!

This year we wanted to find out what would entice pet owners to spay/neuter their dogs and cats. We lowered the prices, offered free microchips, free identification tags with the purchase of surgery at our normal low price -- $55 ($40 for male cats). The $30 special price is the key! The transport to Humane Alliance's Low Cost Spay/Neuter clinic in Asheville has been full!

So we have set a goal – to provide 1,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries in 2008.
We can't do it without your help.

The facts you need to know about the $30 price are:

• The price we pay for the surgery is $45.00 ($45 - $30 = $15)
• For 1,000 surgeries we need an additional $15,000
• A grant of $5,000 has been received to help.
• We still need $10,000 to meet our goal -- and -- pay the bills.

Other Pet Owners Need Even More Help

We have limited funds to subsidize the full surgery cost for pet owners receiving, Medicaid, SSI, food stamps or other government provided income assistance. We only charge these pet owners $6.50 for a rabies shot and $2.00 for post surgery pain relief.

If the females HAWA helped spay had had litters, over 1,300 unwanted kittens and puppies would now be needing homes.

WARNING!

There have been 3 rabies cases in
Haywood County this year! Be sure
all your pets have up to date vaccinations!

Revised Animal Ordinances Pass

For the first time since 1996 the Haywood County Animal Control Ordinances were revised and placed into effect on July 21st. HAWA played a major role in getting this project off the ground. County Commissioner "Skeeter” Curtis asked Penny Wallace, HAWA president, how Haywood County's animal ordinances compared to Buncombe and other counties. Based on our findings HAWA presented a first proposal for revisions of the ordinances to David Cotton, the County Manager, Jean Hazard, Director of Animal Control, Marty Stamey, Assistant County Manager and Commissioner Curtis.

The resulting revision of the ordinances expanded definitions, inserted explanatory and/or added clarifying wording, eliminated sections that were no longer valid, were confusing or better covered by the NC State Animal Control Ordinances. One of the most important changes to the ordinances is the expansion of the animal cruelty definition. With these changes, the Animal Control Department has better tools to use in carrying out their mission and the public has a document that is clearer and more easily understood.

With input from HAWA, Animal Control, the County Health Director, the County Attorney, the local veterinarians, Sarge and other animal welfare groups, and hunters and breeders the ordinances were worked on and after several hearings passed. To view the updated ordinances go to www.haywoodnc.net click on Ordinances, then click on Animal Control (Click here to review and comment on proposed changes).

4 Legged Frolic Event Raised $1,000 for HAWA

4 Legged Frolic – ers

Silent Auction Items

The door prizes, donated by our generous local merchants were awarded each hour. Bidders in the silent auction walked away at the end of the evening happily carrying their prizes with them. All in all -- an enjoyable evening… one we hope we will repeat next year, only inside the Gateway Club!

After nervously tallying the figures, Penny Wallace, President of HAWA, reported later that over $1,000 was raised. The funds will support the operations of our Spay Neuter Program and our Pet Food Program.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the help and support of: Diannah Beauregard, Studio 33; Blue Ridge Books and News; Lonny Crawford, Diamond & Gold Exchange; Wilma Dozier Marrow, DejaView; Robert Dune, Bosus Wine Merchant; Mary Edwards, Mountain Home Collection; Connie Hewitt; Rick Hill; Home-Tech; Jeanne Tracey, The Jeweler's Workbench; Carrie & John Keith, Twigs & Leaves Gallery; Nadean McArthur; Theresa Pennington, T. Pennington Art Gallery; Leslie & Tony Scardaci; Joy Young, Young Forever Art Glass; The Vets at Animal Hospital of Waynesville.

HAWA Sponsor Nadean McArthur said, "I hope everyone will make HAWA their ‘Pet Charity'".

Bad time for pets too: Pet Food Need Increases

With the economy in a downspin, HAWA is being asked to increase the amount of pet food we supply to Grace Episcopal Church in the Mountains and the Baptist Disaster Relief Mission food pantries and to Meals on Wheels. A new group of people, those on Social Security whose income hasn't kept up with inflation, have been asking for pet food. We can only refer them to the food pantries. We are having a hard time keeping pet food stocked at these locations.

You can help us with a cash donation or drop off pet food at the HAWA office, 145 Wall Street, Monday through Thursday from 10 to 5. Cat food is in even shorter supply than dog food. Gifts of money will allow HAWA to purchase a mid-quality dog or cat food to meet specific needs of the recipients. A local supplier provides this food at cost. His costs have increased too!

Pet food is vital! We have already seen cherished pets turned over to the shelter because they cannot afford to feed them. Please help now!

Animal Control Shelter Capacity

There just aren't enough people seeking pets at the shelter. The Shelter is simply too small to house large numbers of animals at any time. The low adoption rate means large numbers of cats and dogs end up being euthanized.

Spay and Neuter is the most cost effective way to reduce pet overpopulation and lower the numbers in Haywood County. Your gifts can help us do this!