12.27.12:

We have learned that false rumors are circulating about our planned acquisition of Countryside Humane Society. So far we have heard that (1) we plan to euthanize animals to have a “fresh start” and (2) we have “released all current staff.” Both these statements are completely false. Most of Countryside’s current staff will continue with us, and our years-old commitment not to euthanize animals for space or time will apply to the Racine Campus, including animals currently in Countryside’s care.

Friday, December 14, 2012
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:  Angela Speed
Phone:  (414) 431-6104
E-mail:  aspeed@wihumane.org

Wisconsin Humane Society to Acquire Racine’s Countryside Humane Society
New Racine director appointed, donations sought for January transition

MILWAUKEE — Officials of the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) have announced that they expect to acquire the assets of Racine’s Countryside Humane Society (CHS) on January 1, 2013. This includes assuming the responsibilities for animal care, animal control and adoption services for 4,000 animals in Racine County every year.

The Wisconsin Humane Society was approached in early 2012 by Countryside Humane Society’s leadership about a possible acquisition; the two organizations have worked throughout the year to solidify plans for the acquisition.

“We are grateful for the work CHS has done for the Racine community over the years and are excited to expand our lifesaving services to Racine County,” said Anne Reed, executive director at WHS. “The acquisition will bring the resources of the oldest and largest humane society in the state to the animals and citizens of Racine County. More animals’ lives will be saved as a result of the acquisition, and we will have the opportunity to create a more compassionate community by offering new programming for both children and adults.”

The Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus will serve under the leadership of Alison Fotsch Kleibor, the new director of the Racine Campus. Prior to this appointment, Fotsch Kleibor served as WHS’s Counseling Services Manager in Milwaukee. She has been with WHS for 6 years. Fotsch Kleibor expressed that the same progressive philosophy and protocols practiced at the WHS’ other shelters will be instituted in Racine on day one.

“At the new Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus, our commitment to animals will remain the same as it is at our Milwaukee and Ozaukee Campuses,” explained Fotsch Kleibor. “We don’t impose time or space limits; we are there for every animal in the adoption program for as long as it takes to find a new home. We will bring to Racine the processes and approaches that have made that commitment possible.”

Donations are currently being sought for the January transition. WHS has already begun initiatives to immediately improve the shelter, from projects like installing a new heating and ventilation system, to launching an expanded adoption program, to remodeling surgical areas to better serve sick or injured animals.

At the top of WHS’s wish list are: cat and dog toys, Kong dog toys, heavy-duty 33 gallon garbage bags, pet-friendly sidewalk salt and monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at the Racine or Milwaukee shelter, and monetary donations can be made online at www.wihumane.org.

The Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) is the oldest and largest shelter in Wisconsin. The non-profit organization was founded in 1879 and currently operates shelters in Milwaukee and Saukville, Wis. WHS offers adoption services, educational programming, spay/neuter clinics for animals from low-income households, retail products, volunteer programs and dog training classes. The Milwaukee shelter also houses the state’s largest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The Countryside Humane Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 that provides animal control, adoption and other community services for Racine County residents, and cares for approximately 4,000 lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals each year.

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Photo/Interview Opportunity: Anne Reed, WHS executive director, will be available for interviews/filming in Milwaukee on Friday, December 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please contact Angela Speed at 414-431-6104 or aspeed@wihumane.org to schedule an interview.