By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

A facility consultant from the Shelby Humane Society recently examined the Chilton County Humane Society and proposed some adjustments and advancements to the center.

Because the facility was originally a house built with human residents in mind, the center presents numerous challenges for the workers as they care for its furry occupants.

Board member Kat Reece said the consultant’s aim is “to cut down on contamination of diseases, work on the staff and complaints from the public.”

De-worming operations was another key focus, Reece said.

According to her report, consultant Sara Shirley advised rearrangements of animal housing, expanding space for services, such as an adoption room, and modifying outdoor services to include installations of a pavilion play yard and portable kennels.

“I realize many of the suggestions made will require labor and funding … I suggest the staff think through these suggestions, what is going to have the greatest impact, and prioritize a game plan,” Shirley writes. “They may toss some or all of the suggestions, keep them all or come up with some better ideas.”

The proposed adjustments were taken into careful consideration during a board meeting on April 5, and while they were deemed beneficial modifications, the board concluded that presently much of them are not financially feasible.

Moving forward, the team will adjust the space according to greatest needs and financial ability.

“Folks that are going to actually be in there every day working and others that are coming in to help us, which we need very much so, then you need to have most of the decision in this process,” Board President Lee Helms said.

Further details regarding the upgrades will be discussed in a future meeting or work session.

In the month of March, the center took in 181 animals. One was a return, 18 were from animal control, 21 were strays and 141 were surrendered.

For a total outcome of 198, 17 animals were adopted, 28 were euthanized and 146 were transferred out.

Additions of three committees are underway as the humane society recruits members. Bylaws require finance, volunteer and health and welfare committees.

Helms announced that the center recently paid $5,000 of its nearly $15,000 owed to Pet Haven Veterinary Hospital for expenses over the past year.

Helms said Dr. Vickie Honeycutt of Pet Haven has offered the Chilton County Humane Society discounts to aid the center as it continues to pay off its debt with quarterly payments.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board discussed upcoming fundraisers.

The Wine Tasting and Auction is set for May 12 at Hidden Meadow Vineyard in Jemison. All proceeds will fund “snip-it” tickets for Mother’s Spay on May 26. The humane society is looking for business sponsors to invest $120 in the center, which will buy each sponsor three vouchers to get a female dog or cat spayed.

The golf tournament fundraiser has been postponed “indefinitely,” Helm said, as the board seeks a later, more feasible date to host it.