SANTA CLARA – A memorandum of understanding between the City of Santa Clara and the Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter nonprofit group will enact a no-kill animal philosophy for the city.
Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter was established following the approval of a no-kill shelter ordinance by the City of Ivins in January 2006, notable for being the first and only of its kind in Washington County.
The group is responsible for medical expenses, food, litter, pet supplies, advertising adoptable animals, hosting adoption and fundraising events and all other costs associated with continuing the policy. They also sponsor a low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination service in cooperation with the Washington Family Veterinary Clinic. They have maintained a 95 percent average save rate at the shelter each year of their existence.
This success inspired Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter to expand their efforts into Santa Clara. Leading board members presented a proposal to the City council and after further discussion meetings, a “trial run” of the no-kill policy was adopted in August 2012.
“There are (many) residents who support the philosophy so our council wanted to give it a try here,” Santa Clara City Manager Ed Dickie said. “It made sense (because we now) have a public safety partnership with Ivins and public safety plays a role in animal control.”
Though the agreement is temporary, Santa Clara’s willingness to become a no-kill city is encouraging.
“This is exactly the way Ivins explored (it,) first with the philosophy and then by ordinance,” said Linda Elwell, president of Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter. “Southern Utah is really leading the way with two cities working so hard on saving animals.”
Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter now assumes all financial and operational responsibilities of the Santa Clara Animal Shelter. They have also launched a refurbishing effort to improve shelter safety, cleanliness and ease of access for both animals and volunteer workers.
The group is currently seeking Santa Clara residents to foster and adopt animals, volunteer at the shelter during and after the refurbishing and serve on the Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter board. Interested parties may contact Elwell at 435-673-1718.
“Without our support, small communities like Ivins and Santa Clara would not have the funds to run a no-kill facility,” Elwell said. “But without your support, groups like us couldn’t exist.”
To donate, make a check payable to Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter and mail to 661 East 425 South, Ivins, UT 84738. Note on your check which shelter you are donating to and if you have a special request as to how your donation will be used.
Memorandum of Understanding (.PDF)
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.
I need a home for my three cats i have to get rid of them getting evited never been outside unless on a lease can u help me please
Shoot, I was going to use that screen name, but I see it’s already been taken. Seriously though, good luck finding a home!
Haha hilarious! Deb, maybe you should re-read ur posts before pushing ‘enter’