FRANKLIN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY INC.

Franklin County Humane Society Inc. in Rocky Mount, VA

The Franklin County Humane Society, established in 1977, has dedicated over 40 years to spaying, neutering, rescuing, and adopting animals within our community. In its early years, the organization relied on volunteers to foster animals in their homes, as there was no facility available. Concurrently, the Humane Society worked to improve conditions at the County Animal Control pound, striving to reduce the high euthanasia rate, which saw 90% of animals taken to the pound being killed. Despite multiple attempts to have the County hire a shelter manager and offers to manage the pound being declined, the organization persevered. In 1999, the Humane Society initiated a fundraising campaign to open a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, recognizing that this was the most effective method to decrease the number of abandoned animals in shelters and pounds. The Planned Pethood Clinic opened in July 2000 in a rented facility, becoming the second spay/neuter clinic in the state. By 2003, the clinic relocated to a purchased property on Route 220. Despite continued efforts to improve the County pound, the County Board of Supervisors rejected another proposal to manage the facility in 2006, opting instead to rely on volunteers. This prompted the Humane Society to take the initiative to support animals headed to the pound and to announce plans for a no-kill shelter. In 2007, the organization launched the Purrfect Treasures fundraising store and successfully completed its campaign to build the Adoption Center by year's end, which opened in April 2009. The number of animals taken in by the Humane Society has steadily increased, while those taken in by the pound has decreased. Through its adoption, rescue, and spay/neuter programs, along with a collaborative approach with the County pound staff, the Humane Society has significantly lowered the kill rate at the pound. Currently, the Humane Society cares for 80% of the animals in need within the community, having provided care for 2,420 animals at the Adoption Center last year. This marks a significant turnaround from the time when 90% of the animals at the County pound were euthanized, underscoring the organization's critical role in animal welfare. Despite reducing the kill rate at the County pound to 23% (204 animals), the Humane Society acknowledges that more work is necessary. A large portion of the animals euthanized last year were outdoor cats, leading to the development of programs aimed at assisting these animals, including offering free spay/neuter services for pets of qualifying residents. This month, the organization celebrates "FCHS Rocks: 40 Years Strong." The Planned Pethood Clinic has successfully provided over 55,000 spay/neuter procedures, and the Adoption Center has cared for over 15,000 animals in need. The Humane Society operates without government funding, relying on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts to sustain its services.