Animal-welfare advocates ask Perry County to clarify funding and oversight for spay/neuter clinic

A representative identified at the meeting as Mr. Carter and Charles Balmayne, chair of the Perry County Animal Welfare Board, told the council the county's animal-control board lacks dedicated funds to support a planned May 17 spay/neuter clinic and other programs. They said the Humane Society directors approved contributing $50 for each eligible Perry County cat (up to three cats per household) and estimated that covering 100 cats would cost about $5,000, roughly 25% of the society's annual budget.

"When you add that up, we could possibly do 100 Perry County cats ... 100 cats is $5,000, and that's about 25% of our annual budget," the representative said, noting fundraising and membership drives are under way.

Speakers described two approaches: 1) nonprofits (the Humane Society and the animal shelter) accept and manage donations directly, or 2) a county-administered special fund could hold and disburse money for specific animal-control purposes. Several council members and the presenters said they were unsure whether the county could legally accept and manage such donations for the animal-control board and agreed to consult the council attorney, Rod, for guidance.

Advocates asked the council to publicize the vacancy for a council appointment to the animal-welfare board and to verify ordinance language that now allows any county resident to serve. The board and partners said they would continue membership and fundraising efforts and asked for help connecting with donors and city leaders.

Council members agreed to check ordinances, verify the advertised eligibility language, and let staff coordinate with the council attorney to determine the legal pathway for holding or overseeing donated funds.