Published: 7/8/2022 - ARK

THE FUTURE OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAM IN LINCOLN COUNTY IS UP IN THE AIR, AFTER LINCOLN COUNTY’S LOCAL GOVERNMENT DENIED INCREASE FUTURE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ANIMAL SERVICES IN THE COUNTY. THE NON-PROFIT HAS BEEN CONTRACTED TO PROVIDE ANIMAL SERVICE FOR DECADES. THE HUMANE SOCIETY REQUESTED A FUNDING INCREASE THIS YEAR FROM THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE AND LINCOLN COUNTY. THE REQUEST WOULD HAVE THE HUMANE SOCIETY'S FUNDING FROM THE CITY INCREASING FROM $75,000 TO MORE THAN $110,000. LINCOLN COUNTY SAID IT, TOO, WAS ASKED FOR A DOUBLE-DIGIT BUDGET INCREASE. WHILE THE HUMANE SOCIETY PROVIDES ALL ANIMAL SERVICES FOR BOTH ENTITIES, BOTH REFUSED THE BUDGET INCREASE REQUESTS. THE SHELTER IS TRYING TO FIND FOREVER HOMES FOR DOZENS OF ADOPTABLE PETS, AND IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE ANIMALS IF THEY ARE NOT ADOPTED.