Thursday, October 17, 2013

PAWS - Issues statement about past embezzlement issue and current needs -

Dear Friends and Supporters,

On June 24, 2013, the Shelter Director at Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was arrested for embezzlement. All told, in the year she was in control, she stole over $60,000 from the shelter. During that same period, when Hurricane Isaac hit, PAWS said good-bye to166 adoptable animals, transported them to other no-kill shelters around the country, and shut it’s doors for 85 straight days to support the community and help care for the family pets of people devastated by the storm. That community support cost PAWS over $47,000.

These two events sit at opposite ends of the social responsibility spectrum, yet the combination of both has brought this no-kill shelter to its knees.

I am writing to ask you to consider helping PAWS get through this turbulent financial storm and raise at least $17,000 by October 31, 2013 to remain open.

On Monday, October 13, PAWS reduced public operating days to Wednesday – Sunday only (closed Monday-Tuesday). On the same day, PAWS discontinued taking in new animals for adoption. If the shelter is not able to raise the $17,000 and obtain additional ongoing financial support, PAWS will close.

So far this year PAWS has taken in 588 cats and dogs and adopted 610 into loving homes. Your donation will have a direct impact on saving more lives and helping PAWS exceed the 2012 adoption total of 828 animals.

Please consider supporting PAWS by contributing financially to the shelter. No donation too small.

Send donations via PayPay: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RVRCNUB9VNZWW
(Also note, there is an option to make a monthly recurring donation.)

Or, mail to: PAWS, P.O. Box 83, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Since taking over as Shelter Director, we have implemented stringent procedures and set new standards for the care and keeping of the fury companions who call PAWS their temporary home. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information or have any questions regarding the community support PAWS provided during Hurricane Isaac, or the embezzlement.

On behalf of the cats and dogs at PAWS, thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

Chris Beebe
Shelter Director
Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society
chris@paws4life.org
Shelter: 504-392-1601
Cell: 504-252-2947

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