SALEM AREA HUMANE SOCIETY In the doghouse, but not sitting still
There are now two groups in the area seeking to build an animal shelter.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Although an area animal welfare group has lost its shelter and a key funding source, its leader says it hasn't given up.
The Salem Area Humane Society, one of two similarly named groups, still exists and plans to rebuild, its president, Mary Lou Popa, said Friday.
"We won't give up. We're still out there," Popa said.
The organization is planning soon to undertake a fund-raising campaign to build a new shelter, she added.
The Salem Area Humane Society was dealt a major blow in late December.
Ruling: Judge C. Ashley Pike of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court determined that the group, accused of mismanagement, would no longer get money from a trust fund it has relied on for decades to finance its animal welfare efforts.
Judge Pike also ordered the group to close its shelter on U.S. Route 62, west of Salem. He further ordered the building to be sold. The shelter had been the subject of numerous complaints about noise.
The judge also instructed that the similarly named Salem Humane Society Inc., a newer group, is to begin receiving money from the trust the original group had once relied upon.
The new group also plans to raise money to build a new shelter and is offering animal welfare services.
Still helping: Despite the setbacks, Popa said her group also is still helping with animals.
Anyone who calls the group's number, (330) 337-8211, can get information and aid in adopting animals, handling strays, recovering lost animals and related matters.
Popa noted that her group is appealing Judge Pike's decision and hopes to reverse it.
"We're still operating. Only we're operating on a smaller scale," Popa said.