Talbot Humane says new community shelter is underway, says county covers 30% of animal-control funding
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Patty Quimby, executive director of Talbot Humane, told an Avalon audience that Talbot Humane is beginning work on a new community-focused shelter, and that about 30% of the nonprofit’s budget comes from Talbot County to fund animal control, with the remainder raised through donations and partnerships.
Patty Quimby, executive director of Talbot Humane, told attendees the organization has started work on a new, community-centered shelter designed to provide veterinary services, training, and "fear-free" spaces for people and animals. "This is going to be the community's shelter," Quimby said, describing plans for areas for veterinary care, training and end-of-life services in a modern facility.
Quimby said Talbot Humane is not a county agency and that roughly 30% of its budget comes from Talbot County; that county funding supports animal-control services only. "Every other project, every other service we provide is because somebody has donated that money to us," she said, emphasizing fundraising, local-business partnerships and volunteer work as the source of operating funds and capital for the new building.
Quimby placed the shelter's evolution in broader changes in animal welfare. She said the organization historically handled higher euthanasia rates and fewer adoptions but that public views and shelter practices have shifted. "We probably adopted 25% of the animals that came in," she recalled of earlier years and said Talbot Humane has served about 2,000 animals a year in the past.
Why it matters: Quimby framed a new facility as part of a broader community objective — "the best shelter is a humane community" — and asked for continued local support. She described partnerships with local veterinarians and community fundraisers as essential to the plan and encouraged attendees to volunteer or foster animals.
Quimby and moderator Craig Fuller invited questions from the audience after the program and said staff would remain to talk about the shelter project and take community input.
Next steps: Quimby said she will post updates on Talbot Humane's website and social media if the state-level legislation she discussed advances out of committee; the organization will continue fundraising and outreach for the new building.