Racine
County's Animal Shelter - We are
the Adopt-A-Pet people
History
and About Us
What
We Do
Countryside Humane Society is a
non-profit organization that
provides animal control, adoption
and other community services for
Racine County residents, and
cares for approximately 5,000
lost, abandoned, and surrendered
animals each year.
We
provide humane care and
treatment, and work to foster the
well-being of all animals through
education, information,
investigation, and action.
Our
volunteer Board of Directors,
elected by the membership,
establishes the policies and
operational guidelines for C.H.S.
Many additional volunteers donate
their time and talents. Together,
paid staff and volunteers operate
our Shelter and Low-Cost
Spay/Neuter Clinic, provide
counseling for animal behavioral
problems, raise funds and help
educate our citizens about
responsible pet ownership.
Our
Humane Officer has the authority
to investigate abuse and neglect
cases, seize animals and
prosecute when necessary. With
this authority, and the
assistance of our Humane Agents,
our officer can effectively
enforce the state and local laws
that were designed to protect
animals. Their duties are as
varied as reuniting pets with
their owners, trapping elusive
dogs and cats, or responding to
calls about domestic stray
animals
or injured wildlife.
We
provide twenty-four hour pick-up
of injured animals. If you find
an injured stray outside of our
regular hours, please contact
your local police department.
They will contact us regarding
the pick-up.
We
provide humane education to
schools and interested groups.
We
are a non-profit, tax exempt
organization.
Tax
dollars are not used to support
Countryside Humane Society.
Funding
is received from pet licensing,
memberships, donations from
individuals, fund raising events
and grants.
Mission
Statement (updated
2/21/07)
To prevent cruelty to animals,
the abuse of animals, and to
promote responsible pet
ownership.
Statement
of Purpose
The Countryside Humane Society is
a not for profit agency dedicated
to providing and promoting the
humane treatment of animals.
How
we came to be
In the fall of 1992, Countryside
Humane Society was founded by the
joining of two existing animal
concern organizations, Animalov
and the Animal Welfare League.
Each of these organizations
contributed people and resources
to form Countryside Humane
Society (CHS).
This
newly formed society established
strict guidelines for animal
welfare, the adoption of animals
into good homes, a neuter and
spay program, and goals
consistent with the welfare of
all animals. In addition, and
perhaps most importantly, CHS
earned the right to manage animal
control services and sheltering
of animals for all municipalities
in Racine County.
Countryside
Humane Society found a suitable
location on Chicory Road, in a
former potato warehouse. Racine
County leased this property to
CHS for use as an animal shelter
and operating center. In July of
2002, CHS purchased the shelter
and property from Racine County.
In addition, CHS bought the home
and property to the east of the
shelter for future expansion.
Countryside
Humane Society has been
determined, from the beginning,
to take prompt and responsible
action to stop animal neglect and
abuse. To that end, CHS employs
Humane Officers and Agents. Our
Officers investigate neglect and
cruelty complaints, and are
empowered to issue citations
where appropriate. Our Agents
perform the tasks necessary for
animal control, which includes
picking up strays, feral animals
and injured wildlife. We provide
services of all kinds to our
community, including helping
people to understand the needs of
their animals, counseling people
on how best to care for their
animals, and information
regarding local requirements,
such as licensing. We work
closely with law enforcement
officials and Health Departments,
following up with extensive
reporting. Our Officers have the
authority to proceed with charges
and seizure of an animal if a
situation does not improve.
Countryside
Humane Society runs an
organization that serves the best
interest of animals and their
owners. To accomplish these
goals, some of the many services
that CHS provides are:
- Educational
presentations to schools
and community groups, and
other outreach
opportunities
- Lost and
found pet assistance
- Careful
screening to insure that
families are making a
lifetime commitment to
the animals they take
into their homes and
lives
- Commitment
to increase adoption
rates and to reduce of
rates of euthanasia
- Neuter and
spay of all animals that
are adopted from CHS
- The
opportunity for low cost
neutering and spaying of
cats and dogs for all
families residing in
Racine County, even if
the animal was not
adopted from CHS
- Foster
care of animals with
special needs, to help
them become more
adoptable
- Cooperative
relationships with other
animal shelters and
rescue groups
- Fund
raising efforts to raise
much needed funds in
order to provide all
needed services, and to
heighten awareness of
animal care and welfare
Countryside
Humane Society’s commitment
to animals is evidenced by the
work of the Foster Care and
Education Programs. The Foster
Care Program allows animals that
are ill, injured, traumatized,
un-socialized or too young to be
placed immediately into adoptive
homes. In a Foster home, the
animals will find care in a quiet
and loving environment. The
Education Program provides visits
to schools, medical programs,
correctional facilities,
community groups and more, with a
strong emphasis on the humane
treatment of all living beings.
Poor treatment of animals is
often an indication that the
people in a family are not
receiving the care they need and
deserve.
Countryside
Humane Society makes every effort
to provide a safe, healthy
environment for all animals, and
to speak for those who cannot
speak for themselves. Educating
the community on the value of
neuter/spay, vaccinations and
regular medical care, licensing,
leashing, and more, are vital and
continuing goals for the Shelter.
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