CUMBERLAND — Although financial contributions are on hold while county officials figure out legalities of a dormant foundation that oversaw the Allegany County Animal Shelter, what’s needed now are folks to foster pets, and donate Purina foods, blankets and cleaning supplies.
Meanwhile, workers and volunteers are caring for more than 400 animals at the shelter, which county commissioners say is intended to remain a no-kill facility.
Recently, micromanagement and communication problems tied to some of the shelter’s foundation members led to resignations of the organization’s executive director, manager, animal control officer and veterinarian of record, and resulted in at least three of eight vacant board seats.
The remaining board members quit late Monday night, which left responsibility of the shelter and animal control in the hands of county government.
During a public work session Tuesday, county commissioners said they temporarily contracted the shelter’s former executive director, Jodi Eirich, two members of her staff and additional support workers “to immediately return to the shelter and resume animal care and animal control operations.”
That action allowed the shelter’s veterinarian of record to return to the facility and provide the animals medical care.
By Tuesday afternoon, staffers were on site “and supported by an incredible team of volunteers,” commissioners said via statement this week.
Ownership and management of assets
The shelter foundation owned one of three buildings, two animal control trucks and a van.
Now, “there remain many logistical and legal details to sort through,” commissioners said.
When the last foundation board members abruptly resigned, “it created a complex situation regarding ownership and management of assets,” they said. “We are still determining who has access to and ownership of the buildings and vehicles.”
Utilities, insurance policies and bank accounts remain in the foundation’s name, and county staffers are working to “untangle these issues while simultaneously building new systems to support daily operations and ensure continuity of care,” commissioners said.
County staffers are evaluating needs at the shelter and expect to update commissioners at a public work session next week.
“Regardless of any legal obligation, their welfare remains our highest priority,” commissioners said. “We will not allow them to go without care.”
Help needed to reduce overcrowding
Because the animals need human interaction, including walks, playtime, love and attention, volunteers are always welcome at the shelter.
“Community members are also encouraged to consider becoming foster families,” commissioners said. “The shelter is currently overcrowded, and every animal placed in foster care helps ease the burden on staff and resources, ultimately improving conditions for all animals.”
To help reduce overcrowding, all adoption fees are waived for approved applications.
“While not required, but in a gesture of good faith, the shelter would appreciate donations of Purina-branded dog or cat food in lieu of adoption fees,” commissioners said.
“Our goal is to ensure that all animals receive humane, compassionate care,” they said. “We are hopeful that this new chapter will bring opportunities to strengthen the shelter’s operations, improve conditions for the animals, and rebuild a reputable and sustainable animal control program that serves our entire community.”
How to donate needed supplies
On Friday, Eirich said “lots and lots of new people” have volunteered to help with tasks — including poop scooping, laundry and dish washing — at the shelter.
“It’s been amazing … we have a full staff on again today,” she said. “The volunteer support has been nothing short of incredible.”
While Purina pet food is the shelter’s biggest need, donations of blankets, bath as well as paper towels, laundry detergent and Dawn dish soap are also welcome.
Eirich said some folks have ordered the requested items for the shelter via Amazon and Walmart delivery services.
Donations can also be dropped off at the shelter, 716 Furnace St., Cumberland.
“The county has been great to work with,” Eirich said. “We have felt very, very supported.”