With Fewer Donations And More Animals, SPCA Faces Closing

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- the SPCA -- is caught in a cruel squeeze.

The sour economy is causing donors to give less, while -- at the same time -- it's forcing more pet owners to give up their pets.
If supporters don't step up, animals in need of adoption may lose this safe haven.

If Rhonda Killingsworth doesn't want her granddaughter Hannah-Dawn to walk out of here with an adopted pet, she'd better move her toward the door quickly.

The Georgia SPCA wishes there were more people like Hannah-Dawn, because it is running out of money to operate.

"The economy's been bad" said Georgia SPCA executive director Joan Sammond, "and less people are donating. And more animals are being dropped off because people are losing their homes. So our cages are full and our coffers are empty."

The SPCA takes unwanted dogs and cats from shelters all over the state off death row, and works to get them adopted or in foster homes. The animals that come here are not euthanized.

"We've kind of cut back on our intake," Joan Sammond said, "because not knowing what our future is going to be, i mean we can't commit to more animals because should we have to close, we have to find placement for these animals."

Like any non-profit, the SPCA exists hand to mouth. But now the hand is withered and slow and the mouth is wide open.

"It would break my heart," said Joan Sammond, "because you know, I know how much we do and how much we're needed."

The SPCA is hoping that its supporters will help during a difficult time that has become even more so. And that Hannah-Dawn will convince her grandmother that she needs a kitten.

You can call the Georgia SPCA at 678-765-2726