We, the undersigned residents and supporters of George County, Mississippi, respectfully request that the George County Board of Supervisors allocate county funding to address the growing crisis of homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals throughout our community.

Every day, dogs and cats are abandoned along rural roads, unwanted litters are born, and concerned citizens are left searching for help that simply isn’t available.

This is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a community responsibility.

Rise & Shine Animal Rescue currently operates the City of Lucedale Animal Shelter through a municipal agreement. However, animals outside city limits remain a countywide concern, and the rescue receives no funding from George County to address this growing problem.

In 2026 alone, the rescue has taken in more than 225 puppies under 12 weeks old. Many of these unwanted litters could have been prevented through accessible, affordable spay and neuter services.

Private donations, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations cannot be expected to carry the financial burden of an entire county indefinitely.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully urge the George County Board of Supervisors to establish a dedicated funding commitment supporting:

Affordable spay and neuter programs to prevent unwanted litters before they are born.
Low-cost vaccination and preventative care clinics to improve animal health throughout the county.
Resources for abandoned and homeless animals found outside Lucedale city limits.
Community education and responsible pet ownership initiatives to reduce abandonment and overpopulation.
Partnerships with established local animal welfare organizations to maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars and private donations.
Prevention Is More Affordable Than the Problem

Investing in prevention today can reduce the number of unwanted animals requiring shelter, veterinary treatment, and emergency intervention tomorrow.

We are not asking the county to solve this problem overnight. We are asking county leadership to acknowledge the issue, make animal welfare a budget priority, and work toward a sustainable solution.

George County residents deserve access to resources. Our animals deserve protection. And our community deserves a plan.

Add Your Name and Help Create Change

By signing this petition, you are asking the George County Board of Supervisors to take meaningful action and commit county resources toward reducing animal overpopulation, abandonment, and suffering.

Your signature is your voice. Together, we can make George County a safer, more compassionate place for animals and residents alike.

Organized by Rise & Shine Rescue and supporters of responsible animal welfare in George County, Mississippi.