The Choctaw PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) met with concerned citizens Tuesday, February 21 in Quitman to offer advice to help the county with the stray problem.
Erica Putnam, president and one of the founders of Choctaw Paws, organized the meeting due to the number of strays being dumped on local veterinarian Ashley Bentley and the Clarke County Animal Clinic.
“We use Dr. Bentley for our veterinary care because we do not have one in Choctaw County,” stated Putnam. “I see how many animals are dumped on Dr. Bentley and staff. It IS NOT her responsibility to take in stray animals and use her resources to pay for this. ASHLEY IS NOT A RESCUE!”
Dr. Bentley stated in the meeting that they are swarmed with strays, mainly puppies and dogs. Just two weeks ago, there were 17 dogs and pups left at the clinic.
People are dumping them at or near the clinic to get rid of something that is their problem to fix. To make matters worse, the clinic staff have to use their time and resources to catch some of the animals because they are scared.
Choctaw PAWS was started in 2014 as a spay and neuter outreach program to help the people of Choctaw County get their animals fixed to cut down on the unwanted population. They spay and neuter 5-10 animals a month at no cost to the owner. They raise their money by fundraisers and donations. PAWS is not an animal rescue.
With the help from PAWS, the group of more than 15, along with your help, will be starting a spay and neuter outreach here in the county. If you would like to be a part of this group, please come to the next meeting Monday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at the Lions Den/Boy Scout Hut beside Quitman High School.
A name for the group and board members will have to be chosen. After these things are done, paperwork for the 501C3 status will be done and a bank account set up.
If you would like more information contact Jennifer Bozeman 601-274-0178, or The Clarke County Animal Clinic 601-776-5326.
