News and More!

It's been a while since updating the page, but here is some great news for your reading.

In 2022, a grant request was submitted through Petco Love for a security system. We were awarded $9000 in April of 2023! How cool and exciting is that!? Shout out to Central Plains Security for getting us up and running!

Earlier this year, a request was submitted through the Walmart #WalmartSparkGood for funds to help cover costs for TNR equipment and to help cover spay/neuters. We were awarded $900.00 to get that up and running. Thank you to @Walmart770 for the nice surprise in helping us work on the community cat population!

In May, we were approached to help with an employee appreciation event for Redbarn Premium Pet Products who scheduled Allison's Fun Inc. to entertain their employees and their families. WOW, what a great thing as we helped with rides, roasted corn, popcorn and snow cones. Helping out in this capacity allowed us to earn a few dollars for the shelter! Today we received $1947.50! Thank you all so much for thinking of us and the shelter pets! 

These awards are much needed and very much appreciated. Without a few extra dollars for different projects, none of our continued work would be possible!

Several shelters and rescue organizations were asked for their assistance by the Kansas Department of Agriculture to house and care for nearly 200 dogs from a breeding facility in Southeast Kansas. We were able to step up and take in several from this facility as further investigations took place. 

After the investigations and bond hearings were completed, we received some of the greatest news on June 23rd, 2023! All the dogs were signed over - no more breeding! Golden Belt took in 23 dogs, a variety of breeds and we are now working them into foster and new forever homes. 

Shout out to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for helping us with food and thank you the Kansas Department of Agriculture officials for doing an amazing job! It was great seeing so many different organizations step up with these dogs and a great opportunity to have met some really fantastic people along the way. 

Quoted from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, "This is a monumental step in the right direction for shutting down inhumane breeding facilities and we are thrilled to announce these animals will never have to experience those conditions again." 

We couldn't agree more!

 NICKERSON, Kan. (KSNW) — The Reno County Sheriff’s Office has uncovered what appears to be a case of animal hoarding in Nickerson.

Sheriff’s Captain Steve Lutz says on Thursday, April 11, 2024 deputies were called to a home in Nickerson after a request to check animal welfare after people reported their pets missing.

“Talk in the area of this person has lost an animal, this person is missing this cat, somebody made comments about there’s not many strays in that area, so we were worried about that,” said Lutz.

No one answered the door, but deputies were able to determine there were a large number of animals inside the house. They attempted to contact the resident’s relatives, but that was unsuccessful.

The sheriff’s department then coordinated with the humane society and several area animal shelters to develop a plan to take custody of the animals. They returned to the home Friday, where they were able to contact the resident and a search warrant was executed.

Deputies, with assistance from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, removed 49 animals from the home.

“We were expecting the worst. When somebody says there’s so many here that you can either double or triple that number,” said Lutz.

Hutchinson Animal Services Director Michaela Schommer says she’s never seen animals living in more terrible conditions, saying the house was overcrowded and filthy.

“This specific case is the worst living conditions for the animals that I’ve seen,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the animals in this condition; it’s heartbreaking to know that there are individuals living in this environment and that they care, but they don’t understand how to meet their needs, or they don’t see the reality that they’re facing.”

The animals have been taken in by four shelters:

• Hutchinson Animal Shelter: 1 dog, 20 cats
• Kingman County Humane Society: 4 dogs, 2 chinchillas, 1 rabbit
• Golden Belt Humane Society: 13 cats
• Pratt Area Humane Society: 8 cats

All of the rescued animals are being treated for upper respiratory infections and other health issues.

“Pretty much all of them have fleas. Everybody has been dehydrated, and upper respiratory infections are very common,” said Schommer.

Some of the pets had microchips implanted, and they are working to contact the owners so that they can pick up their animals. If you live in the area and are missing a pet, contact the shelters to let them know what pet you are missing.

The sheriff’s office says you will eventually need to provide a photo to positively match your missing pet.

The telephone numbers for the animal shelters are:

• Hutchinson Animal Shelter: (620) 694-1924
• Kingman County Humane Society: (316) 542-1812
• Golden Belt Humane Society: (620) 792-4297
• Pratt Area Humane Society: (620) 672-6777
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None of the animals will be available for adoption until they are healthy, but for those who want to get involved now, the biggest need for the shelters is cat litter and food.

The case is under review by the Reno County Attorney’s Office. Currently, in Kansas, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor but becomes a felony after a second subsequent offense.

We are gearing up the annual Clear the Shelters adoption event that runs through the month of August. 

Our big adoption day is August 19th where you will be able to adopt a pet for a reduced or no fee. Keep watching here or on KSN for the finished commercial! 

(Photo Credit GBHS Staff, pictured are Junior Volunteer Harper Flick and Myron from KSN.)

The puppies and kitties are having fun with their newly constructed toys made by the "volunteens" group from the buy the Great Bend Library for the "Up Cycle". 

Thank you everyone for taking your time to be creative and thinking about the shelter pets!

(Photo Credit GBHS Staff - Kennel Tech Whitely with Josie and library staff)

Shout out to High Call Outfitters for their donation of much needed items at the shelter such as paper towels, bleach, pet food, toilet paper and toys. 

Thank you everyone who donated to our cause!

Great Bend Industries made their way out to Golden Belt Humane Society to drop off donations and sponsor TWO cats! 

The best news is the two kitties sponsored have both been adopted and doing well in their new forever homes. 

Thank you, Great Bend Industries, for thinking of us and all the much-needed donations!

The Childrens Learning Center stopped by with a collection of much needed items this summer. We are very thankful for them, all their hard work and look forward to seeing them in August for their summer visit!

You kids rock!

(Photo Credit GBHS Staff)