Humane Society of SETX Considering Closing if Donations Don't Increase

  It's not something they want to do or plan to do, but members of the Humane Society of Southeast Texas Board of Directors say they've considered the possibility of ceasing operations at the shelter if contributions from businesses and individuals don't increase, according to information provided to KFDM News by Board President Kent Schmitt.

  "I don't think we'd close before the end of the year, and hopefully not at all, but we've got to get things turned around in the next few months," Schmitt told KFDM News.

  "Donations have slowed to a trickle.  I've been on the board for six years now and it's the slowest I've seen," said Schmitt.

  He believes the rising price of gasoline, food and other items linked to an increase in crude oil prices is a major factor in the decrease in donations.

   Schmitt says there are about 17 employees who must be paid, and electric bills totalling $3,000 to $4,000 each month for the shelter and the spaying and neutering clinic.

   Schmitt says several months ago, the board began talking about the possibility the shelter might have to close at some point in the future if donations don't increase, but the board didn't want to publicize the possibility in order to allow for an increase in donations.

  "It's a last resort," said Schmitt.  "We don't want to do that.  It's life and death for these animals.

  If you'd like to donate to the Humane Society, you can send your donations to:

   Humane Society of Southeast Texas  

   2050 Spindletop Road or P.O. Box 1629.

   Beaumont, Texas  77704

   Letter from Humane Society of Southeast Texas:

   HUMANE SOCIETY OF SE TEXAS CONSIDERING CLOSING

   The Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Southeast Texas has considered the possibility of ceasing operations.  The Board cites the rising cost of energy, insurance, medical supplies and employee salaries in conjunction with a large reduction in donations.

   The Humane Society is funded solely on contributions from businesses and individuals, and over the past several weeks, donations have all but stopped.  Just a few donations are coming in each month.

   "At this time there are no plans to close the shelter, but it is something our Board needs to consider if finances don't improve," said Schmitt.  "It is simple math.  Expenses are far greater than our income from donations, and at this rate, the balance in our account will eventually reach zero."  That is when the doors would close.  It takes $40,000 to $50,000 a month to operate the shelter.

   The citizens of SE Texas have given the Humane Society outstanding support since it began operations in the 1960's.  But now times are tight and the Board of Directors is asking for help from our community during this critical time.  Without the Humane Society shelter, the real losers are the hundreds of animals that are taken in and adopted out to those special families each year.  It is a matter of life and death to them.

Kent Schmitt 

President, Board of Directors

Humane Society of Southeast Texas