Animal Control To Offer Free Pet Food
In a poor economy, people have to watch their spending more closely. Unfortunately, family pets are feeling the pinch as well.
“We’ve had about 150 more animals this year sheltered here than we had for the same amount of time last year,” said Floyd County Animal Control Director Jason Broome.
“We’re seeing more coming in through the front door, too,” he added.
Broome said some people are bringing their pets to the shelter because they’re facing foreclosure of their homes.
“A lot are bringing in their pets, however, because they can’t afford the money it costs to feed the animals,” Broome said.
Between 30% and 40% of the animals at the shelter are adopted out, he said. The others are euthanized.
That’s why Animal Control has developed a plan to offer free dog and cat food to eligible Floyd County citizens on a limited basis by partnering with a Georgia-based food company.
Broome said he hopes the new program will allow a lot of dog and cat owners to keep their beloved pets.
In order to be eligible for the free pet food, you must be a Floyd County resident and suffer from an unfavorable financial situation.
Eligibility confirmation includes but is not limited to:
Unemployment check stub.
Disability check stub.
Social Security check stub.
Letter of benefits application from the Department of Labor.
Letter of separation from employer.
Any form of proof of receipt of welfare of food stamp benefits.
Proof of low income housing.
Eligible Floyd County residents will be able to receive up to two bags of dog and/or cat food per week or until the supply runs out.
“If we run out, we should be able to get more,” Broome said. “We have 96 bags of dog food and 60 bags of cat food right now.”
He added that the bogs of cat and dog food are donated to the shelter free of charge.
Food can be picked up at the Animal Control Shelter on Mathis Road during normal business hours, which are from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The shelter is closed on Wednesdays.
“The goal of this Floyd County initiative is to assist those who wish to keep their animals during this difficult economy,” said Floyd County Commission Vice-Chair Eddie Lumsden.
Broome said Floyd County Animal Control would put forth every effort to continue this program for as long as possible, but the length of time the program runs is dependent on both the level of participation and the supply of dog and cat food.
“We are excited to be able to offer this program for the people of the community,” Broome said. “It feels good to be able to help your neighbors when they need it.”
A new program being initiated by Floyd County Animal Control will hopefully allow more Floyd County residents to keep their pets during this poor economy. Staff Photo by Dawn Treglown.
