Proposal: Good Shepherd Dog Animal Rescue, Inc. (GSDAR) proposes to design, construct, operate and maintain a modern, state-of-the-art animal control shelter to provide the highest quality of rescue, care and treatment for homeless animals in Clarke County, Mississippi, to serve all municipalities which support this project.
The Problem: Clarke County does not have an animal shelter, nor does an animal shelter exist in the City of Quitman or other municipalities within Clarke County. There is no full-time animal control officer nor the funding to support either an animal shelter or staff. Yet there is a large problem within the county and all included municipalities with stray cats and dogs running at large which may represent a threat to the health of people and animals owned by responsible citizens. Animals running at large is against the law in Mississippi; therefore it is the responsibility of everyone concerned about this issue to work to resolve the problem. As servants of God there may also be a moral obligation to provide an animal shelter and rescue program based upon the humane treatment of animals and the understanding that homeless animals, especially dogs and cats, suffer as a result of no food, infestation with fleas, mites and internal parasites, many of which may be vectors for such diseases as rabies, heart worm disease, enchephalitis, tapeworms, West Nile virus, and other pathogens. Animals running at large, especially packs of wild dogs, may represent a threat to domesticated animals, children and adults alike. Together these considerations express the need for an animal shelter able to serve not only a single municipality, but the entire Clarke County.
Method of Funding: No single municipality in Clarke County can afford nor should bare the burden alone for the establishment and maintenance of an animal control shelter; this is a huge problem and is going to require a large sum of money; hence every municipality which desires to be serviced will be asked to contribute to the project as will the public at large. In this manner the sum of affordable and feasible contributions will enable the establishment of an animal shelter and its maintenance over time.
Research and Review: Other municipalities in Mississippi and surrounding states have established and operate animal shelters. Research and review of said operations will be made. This will be used to establish what is necessary, practical and possible to do. Based on this analysis which will also include costs, plans will be drawn up for an animal control shelter to serve Clarke County.
Preliminary Planning: A design and plans for an animal shelter will be drawn up; this will include a bid contract such that various estimates of cost may be established from contractors nation-wide. With an understanding of the cost other established animal shelters incur, an estimate will also be made of the costs to operate and maintain the proposed animals shelter, including salaries for personnel.
Funding: Based upon the above analysis, a realistic and accurate estimate may be made of what it will cost to build an animal shelter to serve Clarke County. Then based upon the population dynamics of the county, an accurate and fair calculation may be made to see what each municipality should contribute. This information along with public contributions will be used to raise funds. Using this method of proportionate funding, no single municipality will be required to foot the bill; rather, each municipality may contribute a reasonable, affordable amount, in proportion to their size; plus, funds may be raised from the public at large to cover those people who live within the county but do not reside inside the city limits of any given municipality. Funding may also include grants, subsidies and/or benefactor donations as may be had over time. This method of funding has worked for other nonprofit corporations and is one of the primary reasons that support of a nonprofit corporations represents the best solution to the animal control problem which simply is too big a burden to put on the shoulders of any single, small, rural municipality in Clarke County.
Designs, Bids and Construction: Before any construction is begun, bids will be taken and designs solicited from at least three different companies. Based upon the results a company will be selected. This may also include effort to obtain through purchase or donation land appropriate for the construction of an animal shelter. Once funds are raised and contractor is selected, then construction will be begun.
Website: In the interim GSDAR will operated an on-line website for the purpose of educating and informing the public, setting goals, raising funds and coordinating the project which has the establishment and the construction of an animal shelter as its ultimate goal.
Volunteers: Any individual or municipality may volunteer and/or contribute to the establishment of an animal shelter and doing all the work and tasks that will be required for the successful completion of this project. In this manner everyone may contribute to their ability what they wish and can afford, such that collectively the skills, abilities, knowledge, experience and talents of the many fine citizens of Clarke County may be united to effect the establishment, operation and maintenance of an animal shelter that is large enough to serve the entire Clarke County.
Conclusion: There exists a genuine and great need in Clarke County and every included municipality for an animal shelter. This is too large a problem for any single municipality to correct and is best resolved through a nonprofit organization which may raise funds from the citizens throughout the county and those municipalities which wish to be serviced by an animal shelter. Toward this end all municipalities and Clarke County citizens are asked to support the establishment of Clarke County Animal Shelter as their means may permit.
Survey: Members, sponsors and volunteers are needed to help build a successful animal control shelter, adoption agency and organization for the humane treatment and rescue of homeless animals within Clarke County and the area. Please complete and return this survey and express how you would like to help. Address all replies to: Terry Lynch, GSDAR, 120 Anderson Street, Quitman, MS 39355. To volunteer you may also phone: 601-776-3634. Email at terrylynch@aol.com. Visit the GSDAR website at www.byteland.org/gsdar. Thank you for your support!
Yes, I would like to volunteer to help GSDAR save the lives of homeless animals. I may be able to help in the following manner:
__1. Serve on the Board of Directors
__2. Serve on a special purpose committee, as membership or promotions
__3. Help with animal rescue, care, and/or adoption
__4. Help with organizing and conducting events or activities
__5. Help provide foster care for animals suitable for adoption
__6. Provide professional services
__7. Contract as a county or municipality for the care and keeping of strays
__8. Provide other help or assistance (please specify): ____________________________
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GSDAR is organized as a nonprofit corporation for the purpose of saving the lives of homeless dogs, cats, and other animals. If you love animals and want to help save the lives of homeless animals, to find responsible individuals to take in and care for homeless animals, and generally work for the humane treatment, adoption, rescue and care of dogs, cats and other animals, your volunteer service is appreciated. Please attach any additional information as relates to your experience in animal rescue. Thank you for your help!