In light of recent community discussions and concerns surrounding the Hardy County Dog Pound, we would like to take a moment to clarify the Humane Society of Hardy County’s role and express our willingness to be part of a positive solution moving forward.
First and foremost, we care deeply about the welfare of ALL animals in Hardy County, including the dogs housed at our county pound. We share the community’s desire to see every animal treated humanely, cared for properly, and given every possible opportunity for a safe and loving home.
It is important to understand that the Humane Society of Hardy County is an independent, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are not a county agency, we do not operate or oversee the county dog pound, and we have no authority over its policies, management, or operations. Those responsibilities rest with county government.
While we would love to be able to help every animal in need, the reality is that our resources are limited. We are still working diligently to raise the funding necessary to renovate our building and establish an operational shelter. Until that work is completed, we rely heavily on a very limited network of foster homes, which significantly restricts the number of animals we can bring into our care.
However, our limitations should never be mistaken for a lack of concern or a lack of willingness to help.
We remain ready and willing to work cooperatively with the Hardy County Commission, those responsible for the county pound, rescue organizations, and concerned community members to explore practical, sustainable solutions that improve outcomes for dogs in our county.
Whether that means assisting with rescue coordination, helping facilitate adoptions after required stray-hold periods, supporting foster recruitment, or participating in discussions about future improvements, we welcome opportunities to contribute wherever our resources and capabilities allow.
We also recognize that meaningful, lasting improvements cannot fall on the shoulders of any one individual, organization, or group. It will take cooperation between county government, nonprofit organizations, rescues, volunteers, and the community as a whole. It will also require the funding, facilities, and resources necessary to make those improvements sustainable.
Our goal is not to participate in disagreements, assign blame, or create division. Our focus has always been, and will continue to be, the welfare of animals and finding constructive ways to help them.
We respect that decisions regarding the county pound ultimately belong to county leadership, and we remain open to working together in whatever capacity is appropriate and beneficial to the animals. The Humane Society of Hardy County is willing to be part of the solution. We simply cannot be the entire solution on our own.
We appreciate everyone who cares enough to speak up for the animals in our community. We hope that concern can be turned into positive action, meaningful cooperation, and lasting improvements for the dogs of Hardy County.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a better future for the animals who depend on us. — Humane Society of Hardy County
