As this year comes to a close, Hawaii Island Humane Society would like to thank all those who volunteer their time and talents at our three islandwide shelters. Your devotion to Hawaii Island’s homeless animals is remarkable. We couldn’t do it without you.
We are so thankful that the community responds with overwhelming kindness when shelter animals are in need. The term “rescue animals” took on a whole new meaning with the lava inundation in Puna. Pet owners impacted by the eruption faced incredible challenges and hundreds of animals were in need of rescue. Our deepest thanks to the volunteers and shelter employees who stepped forward to assist the many federal, state and county heroes.
It takes a village to pull through disasters like this and we’re thankful for the help from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and animal rescue groups including Rainbow Friends, Aloha Ilio Rescue, Hui Pono Holoholona, Hawaii Lava Flow Rescue Network and the helicopter companies. Great teamwork!
Even with the surge in Puna rescues, the annual number of animals welcomed at our shelters continues to fall. In fact, at the close of our last fiscal year, data shows a 35 percent reduction in animal intakes from a high of 18,000-plus animals in 2012. Reducing pet overpopulation on Hawaii Island is our mission and our aggressive spay and neuter initiatives continue to chip away at fixing the problem. We ask that animal owners be responsible and prevent any unwanted litters. Make your resolution today to schedule your puppy, kitty, cat or dog for spay or neuter surgery.
Innovation is an important tool in reducing pet overpopulation. Generous donors saw that part of the solution could be addressed by providing expanded sterilization services especially in our more remote communities. To widen our impact, Hawaii Island Humane Society raised the funding needed to purchase an innovative mobile Spay &Neuter Waggin’ that eliminates barriers and brings our services to more areas of need. Check our website for details on when the Spay &Neuter Waggin’ will be at Makuu Farmers Market, Hamakua Harvest Farmers Market and St. Jude’s Episcopal Church on Ocean View.
Our new Animal Community Center in Keauhou Mauka continues to make incredible progress. You can see the joy on the faces of dogs and their people playing in our two dog parks. Construction is nearing completion at the Welcome Center and is well underway at our Cat Barn. 2019 will ring in new projects at Camp Canine and we are looking forward to relocating the Kona shelter to this campus.
We thank you for your enduring support as donors, volunteers and supporters of our mission at Hawaii Island Humane Society.
Adam Atwood is the president of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.