Idaho Humane Society celebrates record animal rescue efforts

During a recent government meeting, Leanne Gilberg, Chief Financial Officer of the Idaho Humane Society, provided an overview of the organization's operations and budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Accompanied by CEO Dr. Jeff Rosenthal and other key staff, Gilberg highlighted the society's significant achievements in animal welfare, including saving 9,636 animals in 2023, with impressive save rates of 94% for dogs and 95% for cats, allowing them to maintain their status as a no-kill shelter.

Gilberg detailed the society's community-focused approach to animal control, emphasizing education over enforcement. In the past year, they handled 277 animals from Eagle, issuing only 11 citations for violations while prioritizing educational outreach. The organization also provided veterinary care to over 10,400 pets from low-income families and distributed more than 68,000 pounds of pet food through various programs.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 is approximately $3.3 million, with Eagle's share amounting to $180,298, representing 5.5% of the total costs. Gilberg acknowledged the rising costs associated with animal control services, primarily driven by personnel expenses, which account for 75% of the budget. She noted that salaries for animal control officers have increased significantly in recent years, reflecting broader labor market trends.

Gilberg also addressed the funding structure, clarifying that the animal control budget does not include donations or grants, which are allocated to other operational areas. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude from city officials for the Idaho Humane Society's vital contributions to the community and animal welfare.