SHELBY, N.C. — An unexpected decision is leaving the future of more than a dozen animals in question.
The Cleveland County Humane Society in Shelby is closing because grants and donations have dwindled.
"Funding decreased by 25 to 30 percent," said Marguerite Mebane, president of the Cleveland County Humane Society.
Their operating budget peaked at $140,000. Last year's budget was $85,000.
They are asking pet owners to adopt the 25 cats and dogs remaining.
Mebane helped create plans to build this shelter in 1997.
"That doesn't make this decision any easier for me,” she said. “This has been my life the last 20 years."
In that time, they found homes for 4,000 cats and dogs.
They are the only animal shelter in Cleveland County.
Rick Camp adopted Treble, a dog that was once homeless.
Camp had two dogs and one died of cancer. The other was grieving until the dog was introduced to Treble, Camp said.
"We don't want them all to end up at animal shelters,” Camp said. “Some will be euthanized."
"We are committed to these animals and will remain until all of them are placed," Mebane said.
The Humane Society will continue to offer veterinary care for animals picked up by county animal control services and the low-cost spay and neuter program, even after the doors close.
There are a few programs that are self-sufficient and will not go away, she said.
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