http://www.HumaneSocietySAV.org
912-354-9515
For Immediate Release:
Humane Society Savannah/Chatham changes name to Humane Society for Greater Savannah
SAVANNAH, GA – (January 22, 2010) The Humane Society Savannah/Chatham is changing its name to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah. The name change is intended to better describe its geographical service area and to distinguish it as a private non-profit organization.
Each year, the animal welfare organization provides care and treatment and finds new homes for more than 3,500 pets from all over the greater Savannah area, including communities in Effingham, Bryan, Chatham Counties and beyond. Equally important, the Humane Society receives no funding from Chatham County. The name change is one of many recent and planned changes designed to provide improved service to the animals and citizens living in the Greater Savannah area.
The Humane Society for Greater Savannah (HSGS) is a private, non-profit organization that does not receive any government funding or tax-payer dollars. Further, it does not receive any funding from any national humane association. HSGS is solely funded locally through private or corporate donations and periodic special fundraising efforts like Mutt Strut, Doggie Carnival, etc. Community feedback indicated that having
"Chatham" as part of the name was leading to the misperception that the organization received some degree of government funding. Additionally, the name led to confusion with the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Animal, Control, the animal ordinancing enforcement agency funded by tax-payer dollars.
The 12-member Board of Directors governing the organization approved the name change in November as part of a recently completed 3-year strategic plan. A new mission statement was also adopted and reads: The mission of the Humane Society for Greater Savannah is to lead our community in the compassionate treatment of animals, to address the cause of animal suffering and overpopulation, to educate and encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions and to provide care for animals in need.
Board members include board President Ruth Bowyer Weimar, Vice President Mary Peabody, Secretary Meredith Gaunce, Treasurer Ray Williams, Becki Cannon, Nevy Clark, Connie Gabrielli, Beth Martin, DVM, Elizabeth Miller, M.D., William Norse, Fawn Smiley, Judge Claire Cornwell Williams, Eric Zimmerman, Director Emeritus – Gloria Leonard, and Executive Director – Lynn Gensamer.
The Humane Society accepts owner surrendered animals and is open during the following hours for viewing and adoption – Mon-Fri 10-5:30; Sat 10-4:30; Sun 12-4 and for intake Tues-Fri 8:30-4; Sat 10-3 and Sun 12-3. The Humane Society’s website provides tips to pet owners detailing responsibilities on how to care for and keep animals safe and healthy. Microchip and Low Cost Shot Clinics are also held throughout the year. For more information about the Humane Society, the organization’s thrift shop, and how you can help, go to http://www.HumaneSocietySAV.org or call 912-354-9515.
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SAVANNAH, GA OFFICE: 912-844-9990