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a. Update on the Central Missouri Humane Society with Michelle Casey
Michelle Casey introduced herself to the Board and briefly explained the history of the Central Missouri Humane Society, which has been in continuous operation since 1943. CMHS is the only open-door shelter in Boone County. The CMHS will take in any animal no matter the breed, age, health, or temperament. CMHS is a private shelter and does not receive funding from any national humane organizations.
CMHS was recognized as a 501 c (3) nonprofit in 1968. The new and current shelter was built at the Big Bear Blvd location. Since then new kennels and cat condos have been added to the shelter. In 2015, CMHS achieved a 92% placement rate which would qualify CMHS as a "no-kill shelter." CMHS received a grant to conduct a needs assessment survey. In 2020, CMHS's placement rate rose to 97%.
As the largest adoption facility in mid-Missouri, CMHS offers a variety of services. This includes low-cost veterinary services such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips. CMHS operates the Pet Food Bank for pet owners in need. In 2022, 20,000 lbs. of food were distributed. The Community Cat Program runs the community trap/neuter/release project. Community cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and receive a small ear notch, then released back into the wild. CMHS runs Safety Net Programs such as the Animal Safety Net, which offers temporary shelter to pets owned by people experiencing domestic violence. The CRASH Fund provides medical intervention for stray and owned pets in the community.
CMHS maintains a network of fosterers and volunteers who take care of the pets at the shelter. A favorite program among volunteers is Doggy Day Out which allows for adoptable dogs to be taken off-site for an afternoon. The Be Kind Program is a Humane Education program where Columbia Public School students are taught about companion animal care through in-person learning.
Animal Control works with CMHS to enforce city codes. Animal Control brings stray, missing, or cruelty cases to the shelter. CMHS will provide veterinary care if needed and will care for the animal until it is reclaimed. If the animal is not reclaimed, CMHS will put the animal up for adoption.
Currently, CMHS's shelter has become quite dated and is looking to move to a new location. CMHS has been using its current shelter since 1976. A new location has been found and work on the new shelter is being planned.
CMHS is always looking for volunteers and fosters. People can also donate supplies from their Amazon Wish List. Donations and sponsorships were made through the Shelter Me program.