On Monday, April 7th, the Lawrence County Animal Welfare Committee convened to receive updates from Friends of Lawrence County Animals (FOLCA) regarding their spay/neuter initiative, as well as a report from the local animal shelter. During the meeting, FOLCA representatives presented a PowerPoint that highlighted their achievements and outlined areas where further improvements are necessary to enhance their impact within the community.
At their inaugural fundraising event, titled “An Evening at Soulshine Farm,” the shelter successfully raised over $27,000, which will be allocated towards the development of play yards for the shelter. Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for a second fundraising event scheduled for September. The proceeds from this upcoming event are earmarked for the construction of a new intact and quarantine building, a climate-controlled facility featuring 12 bays, with an estimated cost of $45,000.
In addition to fundraising efforts, the shelter has initiated its first educational program, reaching more than 625 children across Lawrence County. This initiative includes a partnership with CASA PAWS and the establishment of an Educational Committee dedicated to visiting elementary schools throughout the area. Furthermore, the shelter has launched a community-sponsored radio segment called “Lawrence County Animal Hour” on WLX and WDXE. This weekly program aims to educate listeners about spay/neuter practices, showcase adoptable shelter dogs, promote adoption events, and discuss relevant animal laws.
During the meeting, FOLCA requested an additional $10,000 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year of 2025-2026. The committee approved this request, which now awaits further consideration from the Budget Committee and ultimately the full Commission.