News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
More than 2,500 people have joined a social media movement to save the Putnam County Humane Society Spay and Neuter Clinic.
The program temporarily closed this week due to financial reasons and a lack of volunteer participation. Resident Richard Shaffer said he is concerned about what the closure will mean for an already over populated pet community.
“There will be more animals running loss that are not spayed and neutered which will result in more strays that will further burden animal control and the shelter,” Shaffer said. “More of them will be euthanized, and it will cause more undue suffering.”
Resident Cheryl Vick said the clinic is a vital component to animal welfare. Vick said she is concerned about the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter’s capacity moving forward.
“We as concerned citizens we would certainly like to know what the issues were and why it was so abruptly closed without any notice,” Vick said. “I think that was irresponsible on the board’s part and just a huge disappointment.”
Shaffer said he resides on the Putnam, Jackson County line where stray pets are common. Shaffer said he has homed over 15 dogs since moving here in 2005. Shaffer said he has used the clinic several times as a means for fixing the pets.
Shaffer said many other in the community share the same feeling that the clinic needs to be reopened. Shaffer said the social media push has lead to more awareness and volunteers to help.
