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Humane Society asks Cass County for $100,000 boost, outlines shelter needs and surgery suite plan
Summary
Natalie Baldini, director of the county humane shelter, told commissioners the shelter took in 521 dogs in 13 months, currently receives $50,000 from the county (27% of operating budget), and is requesting an additional $100,000 to support longer stays, spay/neuter outsourcing and a proposed surgery suite.
Natalie Baldini, director of the local humane shelter, presented intake and budget data on July 6 and asked the Cass County Commissioners to increase the county's annual contribution to the shelter.
Baldini said the city of Logansport provides roughly 73% of the shelter's operating budget, about $136,000, while the county provides $50,000. "I am requesting an increase in our budget...right now we received $50,000 and I'm asking for an increase of a $100,000," she said, noting the shelter took in 521 dogs over the last 13 months and that, with outsourced spay/neuter and other medical requirements, it costs about $39–$43 per dog per day to care for a medium, healthy adult dog.
Baldini described a phased facility remodel and an aspiration to add an on‑site surgery suite; she said she had applied for a $500,000 ASPCA grant for the suite and was pursuing additional revenue sources including a thrift store and monthly vaccine clinics. Commissioners asked whether she planned to request more from the city as well; Baldini said she would and that she had a formula to plug numbers in for future requests. The board did not take immediate budget action at the meeting.
