During the recent City Commission meeting on September 8, 2025, representatives from the Southeast Kansas Humane Society (SEK Humane Society) presented a compelling case for a partnership with the City of Pittsburg. The organization is currently facing significant financial challenges, which could jeopardize its ability to care for the many animals in need within the community.

Over the past year, the SEK Humane Society has taken in more than 250 animals, with a staggering 95% of these intakes coming directly from Pittsburg residents. The shelter's closure at the end of the year, without intervention, could lead to a surge in abandoned animals and increased strain on the city's animal control department. The representative emphasized that the SEK Humane Society is not a competitor to the city but rather a crucial partner in caring for and rehabilitating animals, facilitating their adoption into loving homes.

The SEK Humane Society operates at a cost of approximately $30,000 per month, providing essential services such as microchipping clinics, low-cost vaccination programs, and emergency sheltering support. The organization highlighted that even a partial financial contribution from the city would help sustain these services and prevent the need for Pittsburg to establish its own, more costly shelter.

The representative warned that without the shelter, the city could face immediate repercussions, including an increase in stray animals, which could lead to public safety concerns and higher costs for animal control. The SEK Humane Society is seeking a shared funding model, emphasizing that they will continue to pursue grants and fundraising efforts, but they need the city's support to ensure the sustainability of their services.

This proposed partnership aims to protect public health, reduce costs for the city, and ensure that the community has access to vital animal care resources. The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the city and local organizations to address pressing community needs effectively.