New Lifesaving Animal Support Center Opens, Boosting Care for Pets in Mississippi

Elevating Animal Welfare in Northeast Mississippi: The Launch of a New Support Center

The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has made a significant stride in animal welfare by announcing the opening of the OCHS Animal Support Center. This innovative facility, created in partnership with the Oktibbeha County Humane Society (OCHS), marks a groundbreaking step in the region's ability to care for vulnerable animals, serving a 17-county area in Northeast Mississippi.

A First-of-Its-Kind Facility

Located in Starkville, Mississippi, the OCHS Animal Support Center is set to change the landscape of animal care in the state. It will not only provide sheltering but also essential veterinary services, significantly impacting the welfare of thousands of dogs and cats each year. At the heart of the center is the OCHS Spay Neuter Clinic, designed as a stationary clinic for both owned pets and shelter animals.

The new facility aims to double the shelter's spay and neuter capabilities, increasing from 2,900 to an impressive 5,800 surgeries annually. This effort plays a crucial role in reducing the number of unwanted litters, thereby alleviating pressure on shelters and improving adoption rates.

The VanLandingham Kennel Facility

One of the standout features of the center is the VanLandingham Kennel Facility. This new section will provide a specialized holding area for animals ready to be transferred to other shelters for adoption. This setup alone adds approximately 3,300 square feet of space and introduces 30 new kennels, ensuring better health standards for animals in transit.

Given the increased demand for animal housing due to ongoing challenges of overcrowding in shelters, this facility will elevate the OCHS's transport capacity from 1,800 to 3,500 animals per year. The need is palpable, as many shelter animals currently face extended stays due to local resource constraints, making this facility a necessary innovation in tackling these pressing issues.

Collaborative Efforts for a Brighter Future

The collaboration between the ASPCA and OCHS has matured over the past eight years, built on a shared commitment to improving the lives of shelter animals in the region. Together, they have successfully relocated over 18,000 animals to shelters with better prospects for adoption since 2016.

As Michele Anderson, executive director of OCHS, expressed, this new center is expected to be a catalyst for a new era of animal welfare in Northeast Mississippi. Enhanced transport capacity and expanded spay/neuter services promise to yield more favorable outcomes for the region’s animals.

A Vision for Tomorrow

ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker remarked on the significance of this opening, emphasizing that it represents a monumental step toward ensuring a brighter future for the region's vulnerable pets. The support from the ASPCA, including a generous $1 million grant, underscores their commitment to transforming animal care capabilities throughout Mississippi.

The OCHS Animal Support Center is more than just a facility; it symbolizes hope and a reimagined future for animals in need across Northeast Mississippi. As the community rallies around this initiative, there is optimism that together, more animals can be saved, transformed, and adopted into loving homes.

For more information on the ASPCA and their efforts to help shelter animals, visit www.aspca.org. To learn about the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, go to www.ochsms.org.