The Safe Haven Animal Rescue Program (SHARP) made an initial presentation to the county commission last week, saying they hope to meet their goals through grants and donations rather than taxpayer money. The group is hoping to establish a humane treatment animal shelter.

John Baker told the commissioners the group is looking at all options. He said they had initially looked at the old jail as a possible site but now feel it would be better to have a facility off the beaten path. He said they also want to improve humane education in the schools and to encourage spaying and neutering of animals, noting there are low-cost programs available and grants may be available. Education is the number one priority, he said.

The group presented a brochure describing its desire for a pet shelter with indoor and outdoor kennel runs, good ventilation, flushable floor drains, and an on-site or contract spay/neuter surgical area, and a crematory to dispose of destroyed pets as well as a reception area for visitors and potential adopters. “We believe all of this can be accomplished here as it has been in other communities with grants, donated money and volunteer manpower,” the brochure states.

SHARP supporters feel that volunteers could run and manage the shelter, with 4-H clubs involved and possibly an inmate program. “We are hoping to have the Polk County Commissioners and other City officials unbiased support for God’s creatures in our little sector of his great and vast domain,” they said in a letter to the commissioners. The group asked for any ideas in connection to grants, allocations, and local buildings that could be used.

Baker told the commissioners he would keep them updated on progress toward their goals. As the meeting came to an end, Michelle Novotny said they will keep fighting for their goals and asked if the commissioners feel there is a need for an animal shelter in the county, saying it would help if the group feels the commission is supporting their efforts. Greg Brooks said it is difficult to answer and John Pippenger explained that the commission had given Friends of the Library a Letter of Intent that is now being called a verbal contract. He said he would be hesitant to make any comments. Novotny said they simply wanted to know if the commissioners feel there is a need, saying it shouldn’t be difficult to make that statement. Brooks said, “It is if you’re standing up here after the library lawsuit.”

Mark Bishop said they need to have a discussion after the official meeting is adjourned.

SHARP plans a fundraising campaign seeking donations while pursuing having land or a building donated. Their brochure says a shelter should have around 20,000 square feet of building area.