PRESS RELEASE/ANNOUNCEMENT
HEALDSBURG ANIMAL SHELTER:
CARE AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS TO END
After more than 50 years of service to the community, the Healdsburg Animal Shelter will cease its animal control and care operations before the end of June, 2013. The Board of Directors and staff are already working closely with the City of Healdsburg and with other animal care facilities to assure a smooth transition, with highest priority assigned to providing safe and humane transfer of all animals out of the Shelter's custody. An aggressive, low-cost adoption program is now in effect to transfer as many qualified animals to new owners as possible. Effective dates of closure will be announced shortly.
As noted in a May 30 editorial by the Board in the Healdsburg Tribune, the Shelter's financial reserves are depleted owing to persistent operating losses. When the Board noted the lack of positive response to its appeal for funds in its editorial and evaluated prospective future courses of action, it reluctantly concluded that closing down these functions is an unavoidable necessity.
The Shelter will retain its corporate identity and assets, and the Board will continue to manage disposition of all assets in an effort to assure long-term benefit for animals consistent with the corporate mission. To the extent possible, the Board will seek to honor all financial obligations and will continue to pursue legal proceedings now pending until they are resolved. In the future, the Board hopes to cooperate with citizens of the Healdsburg area who may want to pursue a new and stronger animal care program.
Proceeds from the August fundraiser event (Paws & Pawsta) designated for the Shelter will be directed to alternative animal care facilities.
Inquiries should be directed to board@healdsburgshelter.org