City of Kingsport begins Animal Shelter operations on interim basis
KINGSPORT ‚¬ City officials accepted the transfer of the Idle Hour Road Animal Shelter from the Greater Kingsport Humane Society today, and reopened the facility on an interim basis while a new city-county partnership is forged to provide shelter and adoption services.
We deeply appreciate the years of hard work and dedication by the Humane Society in offering this important service to the citizens of Kingsport, City
Manager John Campbell said Thursday. We would also like to thank the staff that stayed on to help us operate the facility in the interim while a new partnership is formed with the Sullivan County Animal Shelter.
Last year, the City asked the Municipal Technical Advisory Service and County Technical Advisory Service to study the most effective way of delivering animal shelter services. That report concluded a partnership with Sullivan County would likely provide a stronger foundation, improved services and greater efficiency.
In the past, donations, city contributions and animal adoption fees accounted for most of the Animal Shelter budget, although Humane Society officials said that adoption fees and volunteerism have fallen dramatically to a point that they could no longer operate the shelter without a six-figure increase in taxpayer funding.
Going forward, Campbell said he also looks for an improved community outreach program to recruit new volunteers and bard donations as well as increased promotion of the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce the unwanted pet population.
It is critical that we get out the word that the only way to stop the tragic destruction of homeless cats and dogs is to ensure theyre not created in the first place, Campbell said.
Donations to the shelter are tax deductible. To adopt a new pet today, please call the Animal Shelter at 423-247-1671 or for more information, hours of operation and directions to the shelter, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov/animalshelter
