In Ouachita Parish voters overwhelmingly approved a millage increase to fund the construction of a new animal shelter. For the next ten years, a 1.75-mil property tax increase will allow shelter operations to continue. Louisiana Humane Society President Jeff Dorson said this is welcome news for the parish.
“We’re grateful that the citizens knew enough to vote yes. And it was a resounding victory like 61% if I’m not mistaken because they understood how this is an essential service,” said Dorson.
In DeSoto Parish voters rejected a millage increase for animal services.
Dorson said the situation is dire in Ouachita Parish because, in addition to their own animal needs in the northeast Louisiana parish, they are having to bear the load for other parishes that go without, like Catahoula, Franklin, and Claiborne. Dorson said there are many more parishes without animal services also.
“There’s a long list; Red River, St. James, St. Helena, West Feliciana, the list goes on of all the places that don’t have shelters, facilities, personnel, or services,” said Dorson.
In his 35 years as an animal advocate, Dorson said he’s never seen such an increase in animals that are either abandoned or surrendered at shelters. Because so many parishes lack animal services, Dorson said they are asking lawmakers to set aside a portion of the state budget surplus to help fund animal needs.
“Because they’re rural, they’re underdeveloped, they don’t have the means to build a shelter. So, we’re begging the state to set aside at least $3 million so that they now have access to money to build a shelter or repair the ones that they have,” said Dorson.
In addition to direct donations to humane shelters, Dorson said the public can also purchase a Spay and Neuter cag tag which funds low-cost and no-cost programs in Louisiana.
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