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October 25, 2007 - SOMBFAF founding member Dave Muscato wrote to the editor of the Columbia Daily Tribune in response to a letter from Laura Hutton.

Hutton's letter: Animals are far too low of a priority for officials Editor, the Tribune: It’s atrocious the lack of priority Columbia and Boone County have in terms of caring for their animal populations. The Central Missouri Humane Society is operating at more than maximum capacity and has been for many years. Its staff is overworked and undoubtedly underpaid. It’s the animals that truly suffer, though, as there is absolutely no more space to house additional animals. This problem was solidified by the Humane Society’s recent decision to start collecting a fee when people drop off animals. Obviously, Mid-Missouri will now see an increase in animals dropped off in the country. Clearly, the animal overpopulation problem will not go away on its own. City and county residents should demand a new facility be built immediately. Laura Hutton 15 Lucerne Court http://archive.columbiatribune.com/2007/oct/20071021comm006.asp Published Sunday, October 21, 2007

Muscato's response: Editor, the Tribune: I'm writing in response to Laura Hutton's call for Columbia and Boone County voters to demand a larger facility for the overwhelmed Central Missouri Humane Society. She's correct that our animal overpopulation crisis is in need of a drastic solution, but her letter reflects a common misunderstanding: that CMHS is funded by tax revenue. CMHS is a private, not-for-profit, donation-funded organization--not a city or county utility--and it receives no funding from Columbia, Boone County, or other taxes. (CMHS is often confused with Animal Control, a city utility that captures dangerous animals and confiscates neglected and abused animals, which are then turned over to CMHS.) CMHS serves 22 counties and took in nearly 9,000 animals last year (dozens per day), with projections indicating even more this year. Recently, CMHS has had to resort to charging intake fees and to housing multiple animals in single-animal cages--both measures it has delayed as long as possible. CMHS's services include sheltering stray and unwanted animals, matching sheltered pets with new owners, and spaying and neutering (with discounts for low-income owners). Unless we are willing to donate the necessary funds, an adequate facility will not be possible. For more information on supporting the Central Missouri Humane Society, visit the SOMBFAF web site at www.sombfaf.org. Dave Muscato Founder, Some Of My Best Friends Are Furry www.sombfaf.org

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September 18, 2007 - Are you a web designer? Do you want to make a difference in your community by working with a local charitable organization and supporting animals while building your portfolio?

SOMBFAF is searching for a web designer. If you are interested in learning more (or know someone who might be), please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

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