Our Community Has A Major Dilemma The dilemma our community is facing is a tragic excess of stray and abandoned pets, a by-product of rapid population growth in Columbia and Richmond counties. Over the past eight years, more than 100,000 animals have been euthanized because they had no home or prospect of being adopted. Fast-growing areas like Columbia and Richmond counties typically experience sharp rises in abandoned and lost pets. Dogs and cats on the loose quickly produce new generations. If the cost of spaying and neutering is high, fewer pet owners opt for this procedure, and more unwanted litters result. The Situation Columbia and Richmond counties' excess animal population is on the rise. Over 13,000 dogs and cats a year are being put to death. From 1995 to 2002, the annual incidence of euthanasia grew more than 25%. Projecting this trend into the future shows that the unwanted animal problem will worsen. The 2000 U.S. Census Bureau estimated that approximately 90,000 people live in Columbia County. Estimates predict that the population will increase to 160,000 residents by 2020. The Humane Society of Georgia estimates that for every person that is born, fifteen dogs and forty-five cats are also born. Unless an aggressive plan is enacted now, the problem of abandoned and stray animals will accelerate dramatically. The Solution: CCHS Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic CCHS has developed a plan to counter this trend based on the need to achieve four interrelated goals: Open and operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic Educated the public that spaying and neutering is the only way to stop pet overpopulation Maximize the opportunity for adoptable animals to find loving homes Promote responsible pet ownership Columbia County is positioned to lead the way not only in solving its own problem of animal overpopulation, but also in becoming a model for others to follow. How You Can Help Be Part of the Solution In December 2001, CCHS took a giant step and purchased 13.7 acres of land in Columbia County. This project will allow the Society to open and operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, dog park, and rescue shelter that will benefit the entire CSRA (Central Savannah River Area). CCHS is currently engaged in fund-raising efforts to support this project. Our immediate goal is raise $300,000, which will enable CCHS to establish the low-cost spay-neuter clinic and create the dog park. Our long-term goal is to raise $1,500,000. Once the clinic and dog park are operational, CCHS will move into the second phase of fund raising to build a permanent animal shelter and complete the site. If you would like to help CCHS raise funds for this needed project, contact President Donna Evans at 706-860-5020. Or if you would like to make a donation to support this project, mail it to the address below (please indicate "Building Fund" on your donation). All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law, and you will receive a receipt for your donation. Columbia County Humane Society Attn: Building Fund P.O. Box 204771 Martinez, GA 30917