WAAG
News
WAAG Requests Funding for 2023
Members of the Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Society (WAAGS) asked the board to include an appropriation of $3,500 for the agency in 2023.
Staffed by volunteers, WAAGS this year has responded to 221 community calls for assistance and 19 from the sheriff's office. The group has provided $3,700 in financial assistance for spay/neuter vouchers, medicines, emergency medical assistance, pet food and foster care support.
"We've seen an incredible surge in calls for animal support in our community this past year," said organization president Rebecca Hompe.
Commissioners welcomed the request.
"It's much needed," said Commissioner Dan Cothren. "It's sure nice when you have somebody you can call."
Wahkiakum County's Board of Commissioners Meet With WAAG
Wahkiakum County's board of commissioners handled a variety of business at their meeting Tuesday, including:
--Rebecca Hompe and Wendy Edwards of the Wahkiakum Animal Advocates Group (WAAG) described the growth and activities of the group and expressed a desire to develop a relationship with the group, the county and the Cowlitz County Humane Society.
The group of volunteers has started a variety of programs ranging from trapping and neutering feral cats to establishing a pet food pantry and financial support for people needing to spay or neuter their pets.
They said they'd like to see the county expand its contract with the humane society so that Wahkiakum residents may leave stray animals there.
Commissioners were supportive of the program.
"I've had to use your group, and it worked very well," said Commissioner Dan Cothren. "The sheriff's office needs support with animal calls."
Sheriff Mark Howie commented that the group has been helpful, and board Chair Gene Strong agreed.