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Mt. Pleasant animal shelter to resume trap-neuter-release
All God’s Creatures aims for February resumption of important program
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MT. PLEASANT - All God’s Creatures in Mt. Pleasant is hoping to resume its Trap-Neuter-Release program this February.
The program, on pause for the past six months due to lack of funding, awaits a few details before it may resume this year.
Partnering with the City of Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, and local citizens, AGC traps stray cats, spays and neuters them, and releases them. This program is in conjunction to several other programs in the county that seek to curb the growth of the feral cat population.
All God’s Creatures, a 501(c) charity, was founded in 2018 as a TNR commission of the Presbyterian Church. It has since separated, becoming a full-fledged animal shelter. This was a mutual decision, which opened AGC up to more avenues of funding.
AGC relies on pledges and donations from the general public to cover its operations. Eligible for grants, the group cannot expect to use them to cover general operating costs. Rather, these grants are used for improvements to the facility. Last year, the shelter received $15,000 in grants, which were greatly appreciated.
The group also benefits from Civic and County payments for housing strays. For the initial seven days for which AGC is liable to hold the animal, they are paid $140. Although this is a fair bit of money, it merely pays for the cat’s lodging, and nothing more. The money cannot go far enough.
“Everybody has a similar goal,” says Emily Davis, AGC’s current chief. “We work well with [the city]. We just need to get together to make things work better.”
Last year, the shelter received approximately 200 animals, about 90 of them cats.
Being so reliant on volunteers and the charity of the general public, it’s no wonder why AGC had to cut the program.
This year, AGC has put aside $3,000 for the TNR program. This is double last year’s budget. Currently, the shelter, which serves both cats and dogs, is at capacity. Adoptions would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone wishing to volunteer with AGC is more than welcome. Experienced staff will teach newcomers the ropes. Most needed are cleaning crew and dog-walkers. Donations of all shapes and sizes are welcome, from as little as a dollar, to a bag of dog food. Even things not obviously relevant will be taken: brooms, shovels, doorstops: all can be repurposed in the name of animal welfare.
For more information on services or volunteering, contact AGC at (319) 280-7035.
Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com
