Services

Educational programs

Our educational programs remain a priority for the Stark County Humane Society. These programs contain age-appropriate instruction regarding responsible pet ownership. Generally, the programs include videos, discussions with the students and finally, interaction with shelter animals that are transported to the schools by volunteers and or staff. Through these educational efforts, it is hoped that these children will grow into responsible pet owners who love and care for their animals.

During 2006, educational programs were presented at a number of schools/programs including:

Pet Therapy

As many of us know, animals offer companionship, comfort and much joy. For nursing home residents and others with special needs, out pet therapy programs provide the opportunity to enjoy friendly visits on a regular basis with a shelter volunteer or staff member and a puppy or kitten.

Among the facilities visited during 2006 were:

Also, adult and special child day care facilities visited included Cohen-Joliet and the Senior Independent Adult Day Care.

Cruelty Investigations

Our officers continue to respond to complaints regarding cruelty, abuse or abandonment of animals throughout the county. The education of pet owners may be appropriate in some cases. However, our officers are trained in compilation of evidence needed to successfully prosecute pet owners who violate the law.

In 2006, a total of 659 complaints were investigated. A large number of the complaints involved abandonment and were due pet owners moving and not taking their pet(s) with them. We also responded to and cooperated with local health departments and social service agencies in cases where pet owners were not able to care for their animal(s), or were housing large numbers of animals in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions. In one notable cruelty prosecution involving three women who each operate a “rescue organization,” 42 dogs were seized from an old barn in which they were being held without adequate water, food or ventilation during August. After a 2-day trial before a jury, all 3 defendants were found guilty by the jury on multiple counts and sentenced to jail time by the judge. The defendants have appealed the conviction and arguments before the Court of Appeals are expected to be scheduled soon.

Contact Us

Telephone
(330)453-5529
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 7077, Canton, Ohio 44705
Shelter Address
5100 Peach Street, Louisville, Ohio 44641
E-Mail Address
info@starkhumane.org