Humane Society pleads for help amid closing fears

FRANKLIN, Ind. - A central Indiana group that provides animal adoptions and helps low-income pet owners says it could be forced to close in the spring because of shortages of money and volunteers.

The Daily Journal reports several board members have retired recently from the Humane Society of Johnson County, and the list of volunteers and foster homes for dogs has dwindled. Human Society president Janet Gorrell says lagging donations and rising costs for pet food, cleaning supplies and utilities are compounding the situation.

The Humane Society operates on about $150,000 a year from grants and donations. It uses the money to provide a low-cost spay-neuter program, a pet food pantry and assistance with veterinary bills. It also operates a feral cat control program and offers some adoptions.