The Oneida County Board Wednesday evening restored $5,000 to the Oneida County Humane Society budget that was proposed to be cut. The funding restored the annual contribution by the county to $40,000. The city of Rhinelander also contributes roughly $60,000. The Humane Society runs the animal shelter, now known as the Oneida County Humane Society Adoption Center.
Society spokesperson Maggie Hogan says they accept owner-surrendered pets at no charge and accept stray animals from all Oneida county towns at no cost to the towns. She says that process is necessary for the well-being of the animals, but says it isn't that way in many counties...
".....that isn't the case for most county humane facilities or local animal shelters throughout the state or county...."
She says they also work with law enforcement when complaints are filed about pets living in unsafe conditions. It works as a rabies quarantine facility. She says last year they took in 748 animals and facilitated 557 adoptions from Oneida county residents....
".....63 stray animals were reunited with their owners in 2013 as well. Thus far, in 2014, OCHS has taken 664 animals, has facilited 393 adoptions and has reunited 102 pets with their original owners...."
Hogan says it is critical to continue fundraising and awareness efforts as they need to upgrade an aging heating and air conditioning system at the facility. The Center is located on North Stevens Street in Rhinelander.
