Humane Society drops contracts for Atmore, Brewton, Escambia County animal shelters

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Alabama -- The Humane Society of Escambia County this week sent letters ending its contracts to provide animal control for the city of Atmore, city of Brewton and Escambia County.
The Atmore News reports that this May 10 letter went out to the municipalities and the county from Renee Jones, the humane society's director, and Joe Thomas, the president of its board:
“We have been privileged to provide animal services for the people and animals of Escambia County for the past 6 1/2 years (for the City of Atmore, the past 4 years). By looking at the attached statistics, you will see that we have had a significant decrease in the number of animals needing to come in to the shelters and of complaint calls. We wholeheartedly believe that is directly related to having an effective animal control program that incorporates enforcement, education, and assistance as a cohesive protocol that not only benefits human beings, but animal as well.
“However, as you all know, the majority of our funding has come from The W.T. Neal Trust and, with their recent dissolution, we have had a 59% decrease in our operating income. We had hoped for a final disbursement and had been told several months ago that funds were forthcoming. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened and we find ourselves forced to make very difficult decisions.
“While we are very concerned that the progress we have made will quickly decline, we have no choice but to give notice that we are terminating our contracts to provide animals services for The Escambia County Commission, The City of Atmore, and The City of Brewton. Although we had continued to provide what services we could to The Town of Flomaton and The City of East Brewton, we are not currently under contract with them.
“Because we do not have funds to pay kennel techs beyond the month of May, the last day that the shelters will be open will be May 31st. We will utilize volunteers to help vacate the buildings by June 10th. While the cities of Atmore and Brewton pay their support checks in arrears, The Escambia County Commission has always paid their support in advance, therefore, we will continue to provide animal control for the county through the 30th of June.
“The last support payments due in June (for May service) from The City of Brewton and The City of Atmore will be utilized to pay our accounts with local vets and vendors.”