There are numerous false reports circulating on social media regarding the Tri-County Animal Shelter (TCAS) in Hughesville. The following are the facts concerning the TCAS remodeling project:
• On Monday, Sept. 16, TCAS began a planned remodel of one of its dog kennel wings. The remodel is part of a larger Capital Improvement Plan for the facility.
• While the inside kenneling area is undergoing demolition and rebuilding, a large portion of the outside kennels will be utilized as holding areas for dogs that would have normally been held with both inside/outside access. This further mitigates the impact of the loss of inside kenneling space. The remodel was planned for the fall season because intake numbers are, on average, lower in the fall/winter months, and cooler fall temperatures allow TCAS to comfortably hold animals outside without being too hot or too cold.
• TCAS staff does not intend to increase euthanasia statistics as a result of the remodel. Euthanasia will continue to be the last resort for any animal in our care that is considered to be a healthy, adoptable pet.
• The TCAS staff is a dedicated group of people that does everything possible to place every healthy, adoptable animal into forever homes. Our goal is to ensure that each and every animal is provided a safe haven when it is housed at TCAS.
What the public and rescue partners can do to help out TCAS:
• VOLUNTEER! Now more than ever, we need help taking care of the many animals at the TCAS facility. Keeping the dogs in this manner (outside kennel only) increases the number staff needed to complete routine feeding and cleaning. Volunteers can help cut this time down, allowing for more animals to be held. Even an occasional hour or two of donated time is a tremendous help.
• RESCUE! Approved rescues can move animals out of the TCAS facility and place them into their foster family programs.
Thank you for supporting TCAS while we make our local animal shelter a better place for the stray and unwanted animals in our communities.
C. Edward Tucker, Chief
Charles County Animal Control Services