The
Humane Society of Marshall County originated in
1989. In 1992, the Society opened its original
facility, assuming all sheltering responsibilities
for Marshall County, KY. In February 2003, the
Humane Society became a limited admission facility
choosing to separate itself from the county shelter.
The now independently run Humane Society chooses to
admit animals that can be placed in responsible,
loving homes and does not euthanize animals unless
they are found to be dangerous, distressed,
diseased, or injured. Owner surrendered cats and
dogs are admitted on a criteria of health,
personality and available space.
The
Society sold its original facility in November 2004
due to lack of funding to perform extensive
necessary repairs to the facility and the immediate
surrounding area becoming a commercial growth area
for the City of Benton which was not suitable for an
animal sheltering facility.
In 2005,
sixteen acres of property were purchased for the new
facility. Upon completion of construction the new
facility opened its doors in December 2006. The
facility will continue to operate as a limited
admission facility, admitting cats and dogs. There
is additional acreage available to expand the
facility to house large animals from neglect and
abuse cases when additional funding becomes
available.
The
Humane Society provides yearly presentations on the
importance of spaying and neutering to approximately
400 students in Marshall County middle schools each
year. Other presentations are available upon
request.
As a
non-profit, 501(c)3 organization the Society is
solely supported by donations, the Calvert City
United Fund, adoption fees, membership fees, and
fundraisers. The Society receives no financial
support or any other assistance from the county or
any other governmental body.
The
biggest challenges for the Society are funding and
gaining community support. It is important to note
that the Humane Society is a completely different
and independently run facility from the Marshall
County Animal Shelter.
For more
information on the Society, or to obtain information
on programs and services available to the community,
call 270-354-8738 (270-354-UPET). Donations can be
mailed to The Humane Society of Marshall County, PO
Box 531, Benton, KY 42025.