Stephanie Hicks discusses Care for Pets origins and mission shift in animal services

At the recent Winnebago County Board meeting, Stephanie Hicks from Care for Pets shed light on the organization's evolution and its critical mission to improve animal services in the county. Established in 2014 by former county administrator Dave Peterson, Care for Pets began as a campaign aimed at raising funds for a larger animal shelter. However, Hicks emphasized a significant shift in focus since her involvement in 2017, moving away from merely expanding facilities to prioritizing the welfare of animals.

Hicks highlighted the troubling statistic that over 200 animals were being euthanized each month at that time, prompting the organization to rethink its approach. Instead of building a bigger shelter, Care for Pets is now dedicated to supporting animal services and finding solutions that prevent the need for euthanasia. This change reflects a broader commitment to community values and animal welfare, aiming to create a more humane environment for pets in need.

Hicks plans to return to the board in the future to provide further updates on Care for Pets' initiatives, signaling ongoing efforts to engage the community in this vital cause. The meeting underscored the importance of re-evaluating strategies in animal care, with a clear message that the focus should be on prevention and support rather than expansion.