ONLY HARRISON COUNTY INDIANA RESIDENTS SIGN THIS PETITION

According to data obtained from the Harrison County Indiana Auditor's Office:  

 

During the years 2012 thru 2022

 

6,390 Cats and 4,648 Dogs have been spayed neutered thru the Harrison County Indiana Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).  

 

SNAP is available to all Harrison County Indiana residents. 

 

11,038 total dogs and cats were spayed neutered in those ten years using Harrison County SNAP Vouchers with each spay or neuter representing the prevention of tens of thousands more homeless unwanted puppies and kittens. Tens of thousands who might otherwise have been abandoned; neglected; dumped on citizens' properties or taken to our Harrison County Animal Shelter. 

 

11,038 represents 10 years only as that is as far back as government records are maintained. Harrison County has in fact offered Free Spay Neuter 2001 - 2005 and then Vouchers from 2005 thru current 2025 for a total of 24 years.  It is safe to say an estimated 20,000 dogs and cats have actually been spayed neutered preventing 100,000+ more homeless unwanted puppies and kittens.

 

As is always the case an ounce of prevention is worth pound of cure. What do Harrison County residents get in return for the existence of the Harrison County SNAP? 

1) Healthy dogs and cats in our county who have received veterinary care and are with their forever families.  

2) Public education as the spay neuter appt is often the first time a family has taken a pet for veterinary care which includes an exam and rabies vac. Children in the family learn pets require veterinary care. 

3) Fewer animals taken to the Animal Shelter because people are more likely to keep the stray they found or a dog or cat who needs a home  if they can get them spayed neutered.

4) Improved public health and safety as fewer animals running loose on our highways means less chance of auto accidents.

5) Improved public health and safety as spay neuter includes rabies vaccinations for the dog or cat. Rabies vaccinations help protect those who are vaccinated certainly plus protect humans, livestock, other dogs and cats and wildlife from rabies exposure.

6) Fewer animals in our Animal Shelter needing to be euthanized just to make room for more. 

7) Improved Community Satisfaction as residents feel their voices are being heard regarding their interest in preventing the  suffering of our county's dogs and cats. Tourists have an increased positive view of Harrison County when learning of the spay neuter program.

Let's encourage our three Harrison County Commissioners and our seven County Council members to maintain the Spay Neuter Assistance Program as a priority. With their continued support, the progress made in addressing stray populations will continue and grow.

We propose the Commissioners and Council appropriate funds, no less than the 2025 appropriation, specifically for the continued operation of the Spay Neuter Assistance Program within the 2026 County Budget. By doing so, Harrison County can maintain its commitment to animal welfare, community health and safety, and reduced demand upon our Animal Shelter.

We, River Valley Humane Society, have paid $20,000 in spay neuter assistance the past five years for Harrison County residents as a result of two Grants awarded to us by the Harrison County Community Foundation. These funds supplement Harrison County SNAP which increase spay neuter procedures for all of Harrison County. 

Harrison County received positive national attention in 2001 when the County Commissioners and Council approved spay neuter assistance for our citizens. At that time there were only a handful of these programs throughout the USA. We can continue our standing as leaders in addressing Dog Cat Overpopulation with common sense and compassion. 

Join us in urging our county leaders to prioritize this invaluable program. Sign this petition to make your voice heard in support of the Harrison County Spay Neuter Assistance Program. Together, we can make a difference.

 

Tanya Gilley Tuell  River Valley Humane Society Indiana P.O. Box 33 Elizabeth Indiana 47117