The Suncoast Humane Society (SHS), formerly Animal Aid Society of Englewood, was established in 1971. Over the years, it has cared for hundreds of thousands of lost, abused and abandoned animals. Executive Director Susan Miller explains, “We are an open admission shelter, meaning we never turn an animal away, regardless of species, condition or situation. Our mission is to give the less fortunate animals in our community the love and compassion they need to become happy, adoptable companions.”

Humane Society of Sarasota County and Suncoast Humane Society, though separate organizations, have long worked together toward their common goals. These objectives include ending the euthanasia of adoptable pets, making affordable spay/neuter services available to all, and providing humane education to teach each generation to cherish the pets entrusted to their care.

Local Humane Society Executive Directors
Deborah Millman and Susan Miller

Of the utmost importance to both of these organizations is the issue of pet reproduction. The overpopulation of dogs, cats and other animals is an enormous problem in our area and around the nation. More than 800,000 unwanted companion animals are turned over to Florida shelters every year. Nationally, the number is between five and six million. “The numbers for cats are astounding,” Susan Miller says. “One mother cat and a litter of six can become 420,000 cats in seven years if none of the cats or their progeny is altered.”

“We are currently experiencing an explosion of kitten litters. Many of these litters were strays brought in by either Sarasota or Charlotte County’s Animal Control. Some came in with their mothers; others did not. Some were feral; some were sweet purr balls. Then there are the litters turned over by their owners, many without the mom cat. The point of this sad narrative is to emphasize the extreme importance of having all of your family pets spayed or neutered to ensure better health for your pet and reduce the number of unwanted pets that are filling animal shelters in Florida and across the nation. Education about prevention of unwanted companion pets, and provision of spay/neuter opportunities are prime missions of both HSSC and SHS,” Susan reveals.

Together, HSSC and SHS are making a big difference. They are enhancing the human-animal bond, and reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect. With your help, they have been and will continue to save lives each and every day. When choosing a pet, please remember to make your first option pet adoption.

Written By Nicole Anninger & Photographed by Ann Harris
Printed June, 2006

For more information call
HSSC in Sarasota at 941-955-4131
or
SHS in Englewood at 941-474-7884.
Visit their websites at
www.hssc.org
&
www.humane.org
for information on
pets, adoption,
spay/neuter programs,
children’s programs, pet therapy,
plus a variety of other services
and volunteer opportunities.