By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Things are looking up for the Chilton County Humane Society.

Reports during a meeting on March 2 highlighted that the organization had $21,000 in the bank, and only a 4 percent euthanasia rate last month at the shelter.

“The financial report so far this year has been so much more enjoyable to read than last year’s,” president Katherine Reece said.

She said $3,000 would be transferred to the bank account from the Humane Society’s PayPal account after March 3. PayPal is how donors make online contributions.

Board vice president Kristi Hyche said the financial report also did not include two deposits that she had made.

For the past month, expenses have been within budget, according to Reece.

There were 163 animals brought to the shelter last month, 28 animals were adopted and seven were euthanized. Animal Shelter director Tonya Terreros and Hyche will be attending euthanasia training on March 22 and 23.

The board reinstated its commitment to giving 10 percent of revenue from fundraising to the Trap, Neuter and Release program for feral cats and 15 percent to the spay and neuter program. Both programs can reduce the number of animals being turned in to the shelter.

A yard sale fundraiser is being held at the shelter today and March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The next fundraiser for the Humane Society will be the annual Easter fundraiser on April 8.

The need for funds increasing as the shelter enters what the shelter calls “puppy and kitten season.” Hyche said the shelter had taken in 13 puppies in one day.

This is one reason the Humane Society has made spay and neuter vouches available, to keep pet owners from having to bring in unwanted puppies and kittens. Planning ahead by ordering vaccines needed for these animals before they are needed will save the shelter money in the future, Reece said.

The board is set to expand with Jeff Melton expressing interest in joining and helping with maintenance. Melton is expected to be voted in at the April meeting. Reece said the board would like to add another member who would work with the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office in investigating animal abuse cases.