Volunteer with national humane group urges county to upgrade animal shelter and staff resources

At the Gadsden County Board meeting, Kate McFall, a volunteer with Humane World (Humane Society of the United States) and Friends of Gadsden County Animals, urged commissioners to improve the county animal shelter and support staff and volunteers.

McFall said the county has made progress but needs a facility that can be cleaned properly, better spacing between kennels, indoor/outdoor access for dogs, and more staff to sustain programs. She urged commissioners to visit the shelter at 1995 Selmon Road and said community support would grow with improved facilities. "Caring for pets is caring for the entire family," she told the board, and suggested that better facilities would lead to increased volunteerism, improved public relations and better outcomes for animals.

Commissioners thanked McFall and noted staff are working on animal services issues; one commissioner specifically acknowledged visits and progress at nearby facilities and encouraged further coordination with regional partners.

The board made no formal motion tied to the comments during that item but acknowledged the need to continue investments and to explore partnerships and volunteer programs that could reduce operating costs while improving adoption rates and animal welfare.

Separately at the meeting Heart and Soul Hospice introduced itself as a minority-owned provider offering education, volunteer opportunities and community-based hospice services; the hospice representative asked to coordinate outreach and advanced-directives education in local churches and community centers.