Anderson Animal Shelter

Mayor Ockomon Looks to Alternative Business Models for Shelter

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:28:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Ockomon is exploring other business models for the Anderson Animal Shelter. Specifically, the model of the Hamilton County Humane Society is being reviewed. “Other shelters have been successful by combining county forces,” says Ockomon. “We need to look to plans that work and implement them.”

“We have a commitment to public safety that must be withheld,” says Ockomon regarding the consideration of operational changes. “I am learning the complexities of the issues and the delicate balance of animal care and control.”

A public meeting to discuss requests for business model proposals will be held on April 9th, City Hall Room 201 (Economic Development Conference Room), 6-8pm. Citizens and animal groups interested in submitting a proposal to operate the Anderson Animal Shelter should plan to attend this informative meeting.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Ockomon Changes the Leadership of Anderson Animal Shelter

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:27:09 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Mayor Kris Ockomon is changing the leadership at the Anderson Animal Shelter. A local veterinarian group, lead by Claudia Smith, DVM, will manage operations at the shelter, effective immediately. Smith has been a daily staple at the shelter, volunteering her expertise to administer medical care and vaccinations to the shelter’s animals. “She has been there since day one and has a full understanding of the needs of the animals,” says Ockomon of Smith’s position.

The change is met after numerous statements of concern about the state of the shelter. “We underestimated the condition of the shelter,” said Mayor Ockomon. “A seasoned veterinarian group is needed to install standards that simply did not exist before.”

The veterinary group consists of Jeff Smith, DVM; Claudia Smith, DVM; Larry Owen, DVM; and Joy Dvorak, DVM. The group will be soliciting additional volunteers for marketing and business modeling ideas for the shelter. “The task is overwhelming, even for a veterinary professional,” says Smith, of the effort to restructure the shelter. But she says with help, she is up for the task and is happy with the decision to change leadership. “This is exactly what we were going to request,” says Larry Owen, DVM, of Mayor Ockomon’s decision. The veterinarian group will replace Larry Russell, senior humane officer, and Brad Cox, deputy director.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Anderson Animal Shelter Closes for Spring Cleaning

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:48:30 -0700

ANDERSON, IN -The Anderson Animal Shelter will close for cleaning Thursday, March 27th- Sunday, March 31st. Doors will re-open on Tuesday, April 1st, 8am-4pm.

The cleaning schedule is as follows:

Thursday, (3/27) 8am-4pm - Dogs and cats will be transported to Plant 18 for temporary housing. Foster volunteers will pick up their dog at a pre-scheduled time. (Cats are not being fostered for this event)

Friday, (3/28) 8am-4pm - Ductwork will be cleaned.

Saturday, (3/29) 8am-4pm - AAS staff and volunteers will clean and sanitize the shelter.

Sunday, (3/30) 8am-4pm - Complete cleaning, reinstall clean kennels and implement new cleaning protocol.

Monday, (3/31) 8am-4pm - Transport dogs and cats back to Anderson Animal Shelter. Foster volunteers return their dogs at their scheduled time.

Volunteers for the clean-up are needed for fostering and Saturday’s clean-up. You can volunteer by calling Brad Cox, deputy humane officer, at 765-648-6304. “We need 20-25 volunteers for the effort,” says Cox. Cox estimates 60-75 dogs will require fostering/transport for the four day clean-up. Dog food will be provided.

From March 27th – March 31st, the Anderson Animal Shelter will be closed to the public and will not be accepting surrendered animals during this time. There will be no change to animal control patrol routes or public safety protocol during this time.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Editorial: Helping Turn the Animal Shelter Around with AFP Operation Adoption

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 18:04:29 -0800

By K. Paul Mallasch

It's come to light that there have been problems at the Anderson Animal Shelter in the past. Instead of dwelling on the past (which we can't change), I say we as a community try to help turn things around.

Now, I'm sure the Mayor has surrounded himself with people much smarter than myself when it comes to Animal Control. I've listened to the State of the City a few times now and one thing that stuck out is that they have too many animals for the facility.

Instead of spending money the city doesn't have building a bigger facility, the best thing to do, in my humble opinion, is to help the city with animal adoption and spread the problem amongst the city.

I don't have a lot of time to devote to the issue, so I turn to the community here at Anderson Free Press to ask how we, as a group, can go about getting some of these animals adopted. Highlight a photo on the homepage? Offer AFP points for valid adoptions?

I'm willing to help however I can, but as a group we can accomplish more.

Perhaps someday in the future, they'll turn one of the Accomplishment Arch lights on for our group effort.

For now, though, what's the best way we can help get the word out about the need for animal adoption?

Thanks.