Financial constraints have forced board members of the Belmont County Animal Rescue League to vote to halt all operations of the non-profit as soon as possible.
A lack of private donations and the refusal of the Belmont County Commission to offer more than $10,000 in funding were the major factors, according to BCARL director Denise Nally. She said county law enforcement and the county’s three commissioners have been notified that the non-profit turned over today all humane operations to county agencies. The shelter, located at 41981 National Road, will close as soon as the remaining four dogs and 25 cats are adopted.
“We are pushing hard to get those pets adopted by local rescues or local residents so we can close everything down as soon as possible,” Nally explained. “I started there as the director in January and I had a lot of hopes to do some great things, but unfortunately we just didn’t get the support that I expected we would.
“It’s because of finances, especially after the Belmont County Commission only offered us what they did, and I believe the board made the decision based on what was best for the animals in the future,” she said. “All assets will be liquidated in the coming months, and that will include the property and the equipment that is owned by the rescue league.”
BCARL was founded in 1974 and, according to the organization’s website, the non-profit “was organized by three caring and compassionate citizens of the community who saw a need for structured animal welfare programs. BCARL founders John Pickenpaugh, Dr. McBride DVM and Elaine Barnes believed that to have an impact on serious animal issues in Belmont County they would need to focus on developing innovative resources and services that would have a lasting effect and save lives.”
“I was hoping to have until the end of the year, but the board made their decision and it’s something that’s made me feel pretty sad and defeated,” Nally said. “I wanted to get BCARL back to what it should be of the people of this county, but I guess that was not to be, unfortunately.
“I just feel like I lost, and I don’t like it,” she said. “I will always love every kind of animal there is and that is why I really thought this position was perfect for me. But the organization has always depended on the generosity of others, and there just were not enough donations.”
Nally’s final day of employment with BCARL is July 29.
“Between now and then I will work very hard to get the dogs and cats new homes, and I will look to volunteer somewhere once I find a new place of employment,” Nally explained. “I just hope the county can pick up where we left off so the animals in Belmont County are as protected as they deserve to be.”
