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LUTCHER — In a meeting held earlier this month, community members discussed the need for a public shelter and animal control services in St. James Parish.  Everyone in attendance spoke about the problems of stray animals roaming neighborhoods and the lack of resources to combat the issues.

Those in attendance formed several subcommittees, including a Fundraising Team and a Cat Resource Team. Team members will focus on specific tasks to help the group. The Fundraising Team will host several fundraisers throughout the year, and the Cat Resource Team will try to address some of the issues with the growing cat population in the parish. The group plans to ask the parish council to fund a facility and lobby state lawmakers for additional funds during the next legislative session.

The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 9th at the Lutcher Library, 1879 W. Main Street, Lutcher, from 10: 00 a.m. – 11: to 30 a.m. The group will likely vote to fill leadership positions at the September or October meeting.  Questions? Please contact the Humane Society at info@humanela.org or Nicole Juarez at nolanurse78@gmail.com.

“We are delighted to see so much interest in a problem that has plagued St. James for years if not decades. We are also heartened to hear that several elected officials in the area support these programs,” says Jeff Dorson, HSLA Director.

Nicole Juarez, a St. James resident and animal rescuer, attended the meeting and plans to be involved in all future endeavors.

“Animal control is desperately needed in St. James. We have to do better since we are their voice.” Nicole also attended and spoke in favor of establishing animal control services at last night’s parish council meeting (August 30th). Nicole can also be reached at 985-415-1591 and is happy to speak with any media representative.

 

Photos courtesy of HSLA and may be reproduced.

 

The Humane Society plans to hold community meetings around the state to encourage residents and elected officials to address the growing pet overpopulation issues. The group has meetings scheduled in Livingston and St. Helena parishes during the next few weeks.

 

Established in 1988, HSLA is one of the largest animal protection agencies in the state.