Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
The Humane Society of the Felicianas gave animal lovers and others a number of ways to help raise much-needed money to provide for a low cost spay, neuter and wellness clinic. It was a fun event held to address some of the serious animal welfare problems in the area, organizers said. The Oct. 4 fundraiser was on site at 5080 La. 68 on the outskirts of Jackson in East Feliciana Parish. About 150 people turned out for the event, according to Mary Jenkins Reese, executive director of the society. The visiting attendees were spread throughout the day, she said. Visits by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams and East Feliciana Parish Police Juror Richard Oliveaux as well as Jim Parker and Rafe Stewart of the East Feliciana Economic Development District were appreciated, Reese said. A garage sale of donated items and vendors were set up on the grassy lawn along with another tent with musical entertainment. Also included were jambalaya plates for sale and a spot to greet Santa who put in an early afternoon visit. Next to one of the buildings was the dog washing station. Owners could get a bargain bath for their pet for $10. A planned wellness clinic, which will include spaying and neutering of pets, will be the first of the proposed services, Reese explained. The feral cat problem and the stray dogs dumped across the parish are just two of the challenges that need to be addressed, she added. Offering economical services to pet owners, especially those on a fixed income, and even free dog or cat food is badly needed, Reese added The Humane Society of the Felicianas was established in 2020. Reese credits the Feliciana Economic Development District with help getting the shelter started. They provided “contacts and additional resources,” she said. The property is leased and “the buildings and other structures were paid for by grants” and donations, she continued. “We are currently working on a low cost spay, neuter and wellness clinic," she said. "This project is what the fundraiser was for — to raise funds for meds and additional items for the clinic.” Other services scheduled for the future are a crematorium, a pet feeding program for residents in need, small animal boarding facility, land large animal board facility and a grooming facility, she added. “We have spoken to the police jury several times about financial help,” Reese said. “The support is there for the shelter, they agree that it is needed for the area … they just do not have the funding in the budget,” she stated. Reese said she realizes that “East Feliciana is a poor community and resources are scarce,” but said “for the Humane Society of the Felicianas to be successful, we need the community to step up … if the community wants the help, they have to help us.” She continued “people saying that they are happy we are here and they really need us and have for a long time, then wait for someone else to foot the bill to make it happen — that doesn't feed the bulldog." Anyone interested in information or to donate to the society can call (225) 921-3417 or email humanesocietyofthefelicianas@gmail.com.
