Tipton Humane Society reports 163 adoptions, $70,040 in gross fundraising; seeks grants and highlights medical costs

Jordan Chandler, representing the Tipton County Humane Society, told the Tipton City Council the shelter completed 163 adoptions during the past year and raised $70,040.51 in gross fundraising.

Chandler described a cat neuter‑release program funded entirely by the Humane Society and said it allowed the group to sterilize about 189 cats. “That is the cat neuter release program,” Chandler said, explaining the effort to reduce feral cat reproduction. He described the program as paid for “100% from the Humane Society for fundraising and grants. No municipal dollars go to that.”

Why it matters: the shelter’s work affects animal welfare, public health and municipal animal services budgets. The Humane Society’s fundraising and grant activity reduce pressure on city and county budgets for veterinary and intake costs and support operational needs at the shelter’s facility.

Details from the presentation: Chandler provided a breakdown of fundraising and operations. He reported $70,040.51 in gross fundraising; highlighted a holiday gala (about $25,000 gross receipts, pre‑expense); and cited a poker run that grossed about $68,100. He said the shelter secured about $50,000 in foundation grants this year; Chandler said $5,000 of that supported the trap‑and‑release program. The shelter reported performing spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping and flea treatments as part of preparing animals for adoption and described a $200 medical cap referenced in the shelter’s municipal contract that governs veterinary support. Chandler said when medical costs exceed the $200 cap the Humane Society covered additional veterinary expenses at 100 percent.

Chandler also described operational improvements: the shelter raised funds to install a fire‑alarm system at the facility by way of a targeted fundraiser called “Jordan’s Way,” and the shelter has added a full‑time shelter manager and a part‑time employee since June; volunteers remain a major part of operations.

Council questions touched on enforcement: Chandler summarized recent ordinance changes intended to increase fines for habitual animal offenses and to include forfeiture provisions; he said there had been no widespread pattern of repeat offenders reported to date but deferred to enforcement partners on follow‑up. Chandler also said the Humane Society will pursue larger grants next year that require at least two years of financials to qualify.

Ending: Council members thanked Chandler and volunteers for the shelter’s work. The council did not vote on funding changes at the meeting; Chandler said the Humane Society would provide a check to reconcile the shelter’s share under an existing municipal threshold that seasonally affects costs.